Why do i have a tight/sore neck?

Sounds like over exertion (over worked).

Just try icing it first; 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. If it stings/burns before 20 minutes, take it off as soon as it starts feeling that way, then put the ice back on after an equal amount of time.

If the ice doesn't help, try moist heat. The cheapest way to do that is to wet a wash/face cloth with warm water, wring it out until it's just damp, then apply it, keep it on until it's not warm any more, repeat. You could also take a clean tube sock, fill it with uncooked rice, tie the end up tightly, pop it in the microwave for about 20 seconds, test for heat (if it's not warm enough, mix it around and try another 20 seconds, keep doing that until it gets warm enough), mix it around some so there isn't a really hot spot, then apply until it doesn't feel warm any more, you can microwave it again if needed.

You can take an over the counter pain medication, but follow the directions exactly as it says.

If it's still hurting the same after trying ice and/or heat for a day, go to the doctor and make sure you didn't hurt the muscle too badly.

Your neck muscles are tight to cause your pains. When the muscles are tight they can be pressing into the throat with enough pressure to trap your tongue muscle there to make it hard and painful to swallow. The same tightness you feel in your neck is putting the same pressure on the tongue making this all happen. To get rid of the pains you have to release the tight neck muscles causing the pain and here's how to do that release: Neck: Place your hands behind your head so your fingers meet in the middle of your neck. Press into the neck with a moderate pressure and hold. After 30 seconds slowly lower your head as far as you can, then remove the pressure from the muscles but continue holding your head down for another 30 seconds. For best results relax your body first by taking a deep breath and exhaling then remain this relaxed.

andrehic.. is right;; that's probably where it started, then on top of it, situps??? that's probably where you really did yourself wrong!! situps aren't even used these days cause they cause so many problems & yeah, even with the cervical spine;; besides that, your breathing technique (you're probably holding your breath on the way up) is harmful to the whole spine;; breath out on exertion, out on the up, in on the down & quit using your neck for what the rest of the body is suppose to be doing (your arms);; anyhow good luck;; but ICE is the worst thing you can use;; moist heat is good & ranging your cervical spine;; possibly just ROLLING it along the bed for right now until you can get it moving!! move it pain free, don't go into the ranges that cause pain & DO NOT GUARD your neck or move slowly with it rihgt now;; easy way to start this is small nodding motions like saying yes & no in SMALL movements to the spine.. good luck!!

Often times people run with their shoulders and neck tensed. Improper arm movement during the run is a likely explanation.