I am not sure but years ago I had some vertebrae fused in my neck and I am not sure if this is the problem. I just got this flute and am having serious neck problems. I have viewed photos on youtube to help but figured I know it has been a long time since I last tried to play one of these but it should not be that much of a problem. I have had problems even viewing television if I could not look forward and should have thought about that before buying one of these but forgot about that as well as the neck surgery. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Scottie
It may be a medical issue, in which case, refer to the CCCP in Announcements - the bit where it says we don’t give medical advice hereabouts - and “Dude. Go see your doctor!” 
(Or, of course, stop playing the flute, which seems a shame.)
Or, maybe, it’s tension. You do need to find a way of playing flute that’s relaxed. I’m still a beginner, in my mind, 2 and 3 quarter years in, but close enough to starting flute to remember the neck pain I experienced early on. It was worst when I didn’t sit upright or, even better, stand to practice the flute. If I remembered to sit properly or stand, there was no issue.
People play in a variety of neck angles. The most common is slightly down and slightly to the left, but if that hurts, don’t do it. Play in a position that feels comfortable for you and figure out how to get the correct embouchure angle from there; it helps that there’s no right or wrong way, so right for you will be the position that causes the least harm.
Also, even those of us without neck injuries can and do go through periods of tension that can escalate into problems. The advice there is the same - find a position with the least amount of tension.
Frequent breaks help, too, and periodically (and slowly) flexing your neck (and wrists, whatever) in the opposite direction.
Lastly, neck injuries or tension problems can be serious - if you really are having issues, beyond what you’ve described, talk to, and listen to, a doctor, not a forum member!
Some of the photos of flute marching bands show a more ‘head forwards’ posture than is normal outside bands. It looks hard on the arms and shoulders though, and many have heads slightly sideways.
Thanks for the advice. I will try what you suggest.
Scottie
I would also add to experiment with the positioning of your arms, shoulders elbows, wrists. I have a degenerative disc in my neck that occasionally causes pain in my shoulders and down my arms. I find that positioning my elbows “up”, making my forearms horizontal can cause more tension in my neck, shoulders and wrists, so I have lowered them, and that helps a bit, but then I have to be careful not to “slouch” my posture. That may or may not work for you. But I also change my positioning frequently depending on the “tension” factor that day. A lot of folks prefer holding their elbows high. Someone encouraged me to move my right thumb from under the flute (i’m right handed), where I had been "pinching the flute between thumb and fore finger, to pivoting the thumb to the side of the flute, positioning the thumb horizontally. That has relieved most all the pressure and tension in my right arm and wrist, and improved my playing, but again, that’s just me.
Tension while playing and practicing may also result from being static in your positioning, i.e. sitting in one spot and just “grinding” through the practice despite the growing tension and pain. I encourage you to occasionally, or frequently, move around, changing your positioning while practicing. Occasionally try standing and moving around the room slowly when practicing. Maybe something akin to “Tai Chi” movements. its hard to stay tense while moving, and you may “stumble” upon a more comfortable position that will lessen the discomfort.
And if you discover and new approach to dealing with neck injuries while playing flute, please share 