I did not see lasting improvement until I started protecting my head and neck posture during sleep. The C-0/occiput to C-1 joint is naturally very unstable and can take a long time to heal and strengthen. It has very shallow faceting so it does not self correct like other vertebral joints do.

If you are sensitive to pressure at those bones behind your ears, that suggests a neck issue is causing muscle spasms that can cause headaches.

My recliner became my safe place to sleep. I woke up much better rested and without neck pain or headaches.