Question
hi,
i am a 24 year old professional. i often experience a weird pain in my back just below the nape of neck slightly towards the right side of the spine. it feels like I've been poked with a red hot needle at one particular point. for the same reason its somewhat difficult for me to sit upright at my work desk. my general posture is very slightly bent forward.
i got an x-ray done but it turned out pretty normal. i tried back massages etc but nothing seems to help. if i try massaging the area (when in pain), i do not feel anything (neither relief, nor pain). please note that the pain occurs only when i sit/stand upright for a duration of time.
thanks

Answer
Tripti,

Massage is not enough to change the mechanics of the joints of your spine.   Also, x-ray is only valuable in determining if you have a major problem in your neck, and it is of no use in understanding why and how neck pain occurs in most people.   You really should find a chiropractor and try the combination of skilled joint manipulation in conjuntion with massage and also in conjunction with a few exercises for the neck and shoulders.  If you do not get the joint manipulation, you are missing out on one of the most effective ways to alleviate spine pain.   Also, more effective than massage in alleviating problems in the connective tissues around your muscles, is mechanically-assisted soft tissue mobilization (see: www.grastontechnique.com).   Hopefully you can find a provider that can help you.  

Dr. G