I haven't been riding long enough to know anything, but I've had the same pains. The neck and shoulder stuff went away when I realized I was unintentionally hunching my shoulders. My hands feel less pain and numbness when I (again) stopped clenching my hands around the handlebars. It also helps when I wear fingerless riding gloves. I just have to get over feeling like I need to be a better rider not to look silly wearing the gear (I sort of feel like a pretender, like those guys who bought really expensive cowboy hats and real spurs to ride the mechanical bull in bars.)

I am anxious to know whether the handlebars should be level. I ride a hybrid bike, and I have no idea.

Anyway, glad you're out there. Just keep asking questions. These wise women have ben lots of help to me so far, I'm sure you'll get a solution too. --Kymberli