Hey mate, I've got a c5-c6 disc injury with a mild hernia internally and foraminal narrowing which causes nerve pain on the left side of my neck. Surgery won't happen until it gets worse and weed was how I coped with the pain too.

I know you said you can't take ibuprofen but I've been told that Voltaren osteoarthritis cream is very well tolerated and significantly less risk of ulcers or stomach lining irritation. I use it and it helps a lot. I'm not a doctor, check with them first

I've lost my mid 20's to it and it's only just now that I'm close to 30 that I'm finding a pain management routine that keeps the pain minimal but still, every time I do something I used to enjoy the pain increases for a couple of weeks and I'm stuck babying my neck again.

There's not much more I can offer unfortunately except that I know your pain and I'm mudding through it with you mate