the ones in my neck are fine now as far as pain goes a 'normal' barbell doesnt hurt much as long as you do it in the middle of the neck. the one i have hurt like hell because its 1 barbell and 2 diff piercings(my artist having to feed the bends of the barbell through, made it hurt like hell). the reason i got them.... i wanted to be diff i guess. i enjoy piercings but not always the ones everyone else has.