The degree of joint strength on the neck block can vary from similar to tail and end blocks to surprisingly strong in some cases.
In those surprisingly stubborn cases, I prefer to go for the option of fingerboard off for the benefit of less stuff in my way.
There is also the advantage that if there is a wood pin hidden by the fingerboard, it will be obvious upon removal.
If you don't have access to special tools, (I am an amateur as well and get by with what is available), check out the kitchen knife drawer for one of those long, broad, triangular shaped vegatable knives that you can pass from one side to the other side of the
body and have a sturdy pry handhold on both sides for extra control.