my neck has been cracking and now my neck and shoulder area really hurts  

Could it be a pinch nerve? I don't think so, a pinch nerve would not make your neck crack. Why does your neck crack? I don't know I'm not a doctor. Are you missing a vertebrae? Once again I'm no doctor so I cannot say. Should you be worried? I would think so its sound to me that whatever condition you have should be check out by a train healthcare provider... even if you don't have healthcare insurance you should not just sit around and hope that this condition will just go away trust me I know most medical conditons just don't heal themselve and go away, please go see a doctor.

I get that because I sit at an ackward angle next to my computer. Put some kind of rub on it, it if doesn't go away in a few days or get worse you can have an Xray or see your doctor but that costs money.

If i was you i would get it checked by a doctor incase something is getting worse.

If it was a pinched nerve you would know. Pinch nerves are very painful and the pain is kind pulsating and kind of shoots through your whole body, they seem to bother your nerves in a very uncomfortable way. But it does sound like something you should probably see the doctor about. Give it a day or so and if you are still in pain call the doctor right away.

Might be best to call your doctor and see what he/she advises. A pinched nerve is terribly painful. The only thing I wouldn't recommend is to see a chiropractor. Do know others really believe in their doctoring but I shy away from a chiropractor and get into physical therapy when I have a problem with my back.

Hope you feel better,
carolbee