My neck hurts! How can massage help?
If you spend hours on a computer or constantly look down at your phone, you might already be feeling it: tight shoulders, a stiff neck, tension at the base of your skull, or even headaches that creep up by the afternoon. That’s tech neck—and massage can help.
What is tech neck? Tech neck is a modern term for the strain caused by prolonged forward head posture. When your head leans forward (even by an inch), it significantly increases the load on your neck and upper back muscles. Over time, this can lead to:
Trigger points in the shoulders and upper traps
Restricted mobility through the neck and upper spine
Tension headaches or eye strain
Numbness or tingling in the arms (in more advanced cases)
How massage helps:
Releases chronic tension in the neck, traps, and deep stabilizing muscles
Breaks up fascial restrictions that limit mobility and contribute to pain
Improves circulation to the head and shoulders, which often get neglected during long periods of sitting
Resets postural awareness by bringing your attention back to the affected areas
What to ask for in your session:
Focused work on the upper traps, levator scapulae, SCM, and suboccipitals
Gentle neck stretches and range-of-motion techniques
Myofascial or trigger point work to release stubborn knots
A calm, grounded pace to help regulate your nervous system
What you can do after your massage:
Take regular breaks to stretch and look up throughout your day
Try chin tucks and gentle neck rolls
Strengthen your deep neck flexors and upper back muscles with simple exercises
Stay aware of your posture—even a small adjustment helps
You don’t have to live with a tight neck and pounding head just because you work at a desk. Massage can offer real relief, and with a few simple changes, you can keep tech neck from creeping back in.
