Wasn't sure where to post this but figured here since I mostly ride to commute.

I am coming to the conclusion that I need to raise the handlebars on my new cyclocross bike. I am getting terrible stiff upper shoulders/lower neck after even a short 5 mile ride. I have really tried to make sure I'm not locking elbows, doing grip of death, etc. when riding. I think I'm just leaning too far forward and down- too much pressure on upper body, not taking enough with through the seat or able to use lower back muscles to support my torso. Best I can tell, a small rise in the bars, bring them even or slightly higher than the seat will alleviate this problem.

So I've searched the forums to understand options and come down to either a stem riser or adjustable stem- probably the one Richey makes. I bob back and forth between options. I can see pros and cons of both. Any advice on which is a better option?

I'll edit my original post here with updates of pros and cons to keep everything organized:

Adjustable Stem
Pros:
1. Have more control over angle and final height
Cons:
1. Potentially creaky

Riser
Pros:

Cons:
1. Less adjustment ability (with the angle)