(Concern) I have intermittent neck pain. Why might that be?

For several weeks now, I have been experiencing severe pain at the back of my neck when I wake up. Recently, the pain has become so intense that I sometimes wake up due to the discomfort. I have tried changing my pillow and sleeping posture, making an effort to sleep upright, but the pain does not improve. Currently, I am using a regular cotton pillow, and I am considering purchasing a cervical pillow to see if it helps, but I am unsure. People around me are worried it might be a herniated disc, so do you think I should visit a hospital?