What Does Pain In The Neck Indicate?

I have pain in my neck just below the adam s apple when I swallow - feels just like a muscle strain or spasm, soft tissue injury that I might have in my shoulder or leg after a sprain, bruise etc. It hurts when I eat. I can press just under the adam s apple and feel soreness, but no lump. Like I was punched there and have a bruise. It has been two days. It does not feel like a typical cold or flu sore throat, although that has been going in the family and I had it a month ago. I have no other symptoms like lumps, rash, fever, or lack of appetite. I have been in the gym and some outside activities like skiing and mountain biking recently, or maybe I slept funny and caused some stiffness. Not sure what to make of this as most injuries and illness I can remember feeling before but this is somewhat unique. It is not acute, but annoying and concerning.