Mine is always left side. Very painful

Yes a heating pad or massage it with muscle cream. It just eases the severity of the pain.

I have a chiropractor appointment after christmas

Mine is always on the left a PT showed me to stretch my neck by tilting my head to the right, putting my hand on top of my head and pulling over to the right. It hurts like he'll when you do it big gives relief afterwards.

“Temperpedic” pillow, is a lifesaver for me for years. Avoid a lot of head down position. Muscle relaxer for very bad times.