In British English, they would mean exactly the same. We usually use hurts because it's easier to say. You could also say my neck is sore.

My neck is painful is incorrect. 'Painful' is an adjective to describe a noun that inflicts pain (a painful punch, a painful situation), whereas 'hurt' is a verb describing the action when a noun suffers from pain (my hand hurts, my head hurts). For instance, 'my head *hurts* because I have a very *painful* headache'.

Both are correct and have the same meaning. You can either say that something hurts or that it is painful.

"My neck hurts" sounds more natural. "Painful" is typically used to describe something that causes pain rather than the sensation itself. So, you'd say: * "My neck hurts." * "My neck is sore." Both convey the idea that your neck is experiencing pain.

Be more descriptive, use the noun ‘pain’. My neck hurts a bit. I have a sharp pain in my neck. (With an article, it’s a little more localized) I have debilitating pain in my neck. There’s constant pain in my neck. To my ear, ‘painful’ sounds a little imprecise but correct. It sounds more precise used to convey ‘causing pain’. And good pronunciation may not be easy, but it is important! It’s worth the effort. Good luck!