Am i correct when i say a neck sprain would be tender to the touch and a pinched nerve would be all internal pain down nerve path?

Not exactly: You are right in that the superficial muscles in the neck are superficial and palpable, while the nerves are much deeper and are not. But patients with a " pinched nerve" will sometimes get superficial tenderness related to associated muscle spasm. A detailed exam can often tell the difference, also pain radiating down into the arm suggest nerve involvement.

Good thinking, but: Real bodies are less likely to perform 100% logically. Both could bring a bit of both pain pictures you draw quite well. It may also not be a perfect division, but the relief patterns may tell you some more. If it's pinched nerve, topical Tx will have less effect, not none but less. Sprain should improve if rested, pinched not so much. Try an exam/eval too. Best!