Peter, If you have tenderness behind your ears, it is evidence of an upper neck injury that needs to heal. Physio may help over time. A clear MRI of the spine is meaningless. There are plenty of studies that show this. And neck pain will also not indicate an injury or lack of a neck injury. It is more of a symptoms based diagnosis. Some have benefited from steroids at atlas or Botox in those spasming muscles.

There is no direct answer. For some of us, it is a long grind to getting relief from head aches. I use ice to get relief. It usually helps but not always.

My best to you.