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All of those hours huddled over your computer, not to mention staring down at your cellphone, can leave you with some pretty serious kinks in your neck. Plus, you may even still be working from home—and specifically, from your kitchen counter, dining room table, couch, or even your bed—at least part of the time, which can leave you with new aches and pains.
So what can you do? Thankfully, you don't have to splurge on a spa visit or beg your partner for an at-home massage to get some relief. First things first, make sure your laptop or computer screen is at eye level, so your head doesn't angle downward to read. (To do this, you might need to put it on a pile of books or purchase an adjustable monitor or laptop stand.) If you're still experiencing pain, the right tools—think vibrating electronic massagers and lubricating oils—really do work to help you knead out knots in a flash, plus provide migraine relief and stress-busting benefits.
Ahead, we've compiled the 12 best neck massagers for the job, including a shiatsu device with heat, an easy-to-use handheld tool, and a completely hands-free pillow.
1
Best Shiatsu Neck Massager
FIVE S 3D Kneading Shiatsu Neck, Shoulder, Back, Leg, and Foot Massage
This heated electric massager works wonders on the neck and shoulders, but it can also be used on the rest of the body, making it an excellent value.
This Shiatsu kneading massager has eight deep-kneading balls that can reverse direction to more effectively target knots. Not to mention it also has three speed settings and a heat function to further reduce muscle tension and stress. The best part, though? Even though it's designed for the neck and shoulders, it can also be positioned on other parts of the body, including the hips, hamstrings, feet, and lower back.
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3
Best Neck Massager for Headaches
InvoSpa Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, and Neck Massager with Heat
Now 20% Off
Reviewers with chronic pain praise this deep-tissue massager for its ability to soothe sore, achy muscles and relieve tension. It's also a great choice for anyone who drives long distances or commutes to work via car, since it comes with a car charger and a durable carrying case.
Another budget-friendly option, this handheld massager boasts superior results. The silicone balls are targeted to two of the body's main trigger points to loosen tense muscles and improve blood circulation faster.
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With more than 7,000 five-star reviews, fans say this powerful tool provides lasting pain relief. Rather than knead sore muscles, the device sends light electric currents to targeted body parts like the neck.
6
Best Handheld Neck Massager
Homedics Heated Automatic Percussion Back, Body and Neck Massager
Now 16% Off
lightweight and portable, this handheld massager is wonderfully easy to handle. Weight less than 2.5lbs, the ergonomically designed rubber handle gives you wonderful grip when you're trying to get to those hard to reach places. Dual pivoting has opperate at up to 3,100 pulses per minute, with 4 speed options. Ease your pain easily and effectively.
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This powerful percussion massager comes with eight different attachments—including curved and pointed heads—and delivers 3,600 pulses per minute to provide more relief faster. It also has a long-lasting battery, so you can use it for up to 140 minutes without recharging.
This sleek handheld deep-tissue massager is cordless for the ultimate in convenience. It also has four interchangeable massage heads, three automatic massage modes, and three adjustable speed settings, so you can customize your massage based on your pain level.
Despite a slim profile that makes it easier to store, this cordless massager settles right into the crook of your neck, so the kneading and heat functions can work their magic on tight muscles. It also comes with straps if you prefer to get a better grip.
If you prefer strong pressure, this popular workout recovery tool doubles as an effective neck and shoulder massager. It features 90-degree rotation to make it easier to access hard-to-reach spots like the nape of your desk, plus comes with three massage heads and has six adjustable speeds for customization.
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This affordable manual massage tool may not vibrate, but it definitely soothes achy muscles and helps improve blood circulation. For added stress relief, apply essential oils to the massage ball prior to application.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.