How to Help Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek out massage. Whether it’s a dull ache at the base of the skull, tension from looking down at a screen, or a sharp pinch when turning your head—targeted bodywork can help relieve it.

What causes neck pain?

  • Forward head posture from phones, laptops, or driving

  • Jaw tension or clenching

  • Poor sleep positioning

  • Old injuries or chronic tightness in the shoulders and upper back

How massage helps:

  • Releases tension in the upper traps, suboccipitals, and scalene muscles

  • Restores mobility by softening stiff tissues and improving circulation

  • Calms the nervous system so the whole body feels less reactive

  • Helps reduce headaches, jaw tension, and shoulder pain that often come along for the ride

What to expect in a session:

  • Work on the neck, shoulders, and upper back

  • Gentle traction or stretches to ease stiffness

  • Focused pressure on the base of the skull and jaw if needed

  • A pace that helps your nervous system settle while your muscles release

When massage might help:

  • You wake up with a stiff or sore neck

  • Sitting or screen time makes your shoulders creep up

  • You feel tension behind your eyes or at the base of your skull

  • You’ve tried stretching but it doesn’t seem to stick

Massage won’t always fix neck pain in one session—but it can reduce the strain, restore movement, and give your body the reset it’s asking for.

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