Yes, the cranial work could have a placebo effect. There are massage points on the skull that could feel good. There was no cranial plate movements. But, the spine, from the bases of the skull down can be manipulated. Unlocking a misaligned cervical vertebra could provide some quick relief.

A chiro who knows upper cervical chiro could help you with your neck and upper back. A physical therapist with the right skills could also. For me, I needed gentle manipulations followed by ice and then I had to be disciplined with posture during sleep. I was a mess from C-1 to T-4.

We have to combine some therapeutic help and our own discipline and patience to see improvement.

Sounds like you are improving.