Hi,
I am Dr.Bruno and Let me answer your query.
Based on the symptoms you have narrated
1. worsen in severity and began happening with other types of movements
2. constant burning and achy (more so) L sided, but overall unilateral neck and occipital pn.
3. Any movement type activity requiring pushing, pulling, lifting (straining) immediately triggers heavy, vise grip, pressurized, spasming, and throbbing type pn
4. applying pressure between spinous processes in same area as HNP alleviates the pn by over half, but only while applying pressure.
5. L cervical region ROM has decreased and muscle soreness with burning has significantly increased during this time
I would suggest that you need
1. Continuous Cervical Traction with 3 kgs weight
2. Intermitted Traction for half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening
3. Pain Killers
4. Anti Spasm Drugs
5. Drugs to improve microcirculation of blood in and around
spinal cord for at least a week
Based on the level and nature of improvement, we can chart further course of action
If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.