Pain Reliever for upperback/neck.....what do you guys take?

Why is your neck hurting? I'd work on that problem. There really isn't a good pill to pop for this unless you go to the doc and get a muscle relaxer and/or a prescription NSAID like celebrex (which might be lower risk for causing a flare but certainly not zero). Tylenol isn't going to cut it. Alternating ice and heat should help. You should also get a massage - assuming it's a muscle spasm. But the most important question is why?

Generic Advil is basically the same as prescription Ibuprofen, unless you want to compare dose size. Tylenol is really the only thing recommended for OTC pain relievers. Not sure about prescriptions. I too would suggest on finding out what is wrong.

Do you sleep with one pillow or two? I once had terrible neck pain and a coworker told me to start sleeping with just one pillow. I did, and it helped. Whatever is causing your pain, I hope you find the solution.

Hi, I agree taking pills is only going to mask the problem..I would go see a chiropractor real soon, as the longer you leave it the worst it will become..I have problems with my neck, so I regularly see my chiropractor for maintenance. As mentioned, something as simple as carrying your guitar over one shoulder, sleeping awkwardly on your pillow, sat badly whilst using your computer, or watching the television with bad posture...all these things can trigger problems, I use a special supportive pillow every night, and once you use these, I swear you will never want to go back to a normal pillow.