When I ride for any extended period of time maybe 10 minutes or more, I get neck pain. I have drop bars on a Surly Cross Check. I usually ride the brake hoods, occasionally the drops to accelerate, both hunched over, right? and the flat part to relax and sit up right.

As a new commuter is neck pain normal? Is there anything I can do to prevent it?

I've heard standing up on your pedals when coming to a stop can alleviate perineal pressure, straighten out your back and neck. I've heard sliding forward backward or forward on a saddle according to the incline of the terrain, standing over the bike's top tube when at a stop light. (i can't find the website where I heard this; it's on my other computer but I'll post it up here when I can)

Any other riding techniques to add comfort to a ride?