I've got the same pain/stiffness/discomfort in my neck & shoulders that you describe--plus, if you manipulate the muscle (especially from the base of the neck to the top of the shoulder), it sounds to me (traveling the internal hearing path) much like eating granola does.

I call it crunchy granola in honor of Neil Diamond.

I've learned it's actually pockets of air that've gotten trapped between muscles, tendons, etc. There isn't supposed to be air there, hence the pain.

I too found no relief thru traditional treatment. My Primary referred me to the top acupuncture physician around, & after 3 months I was relatively pain free. I go 1ce a month for maintenance. I say "relatively" because repetitive movement at work aggravates it.

It's an option, especially if you have insurance that covers it. Otherwise...

Hmm. Maybe you could manage one visit, explain the cost thing, get one acupuncture treatment, & ask for acupressure points you can administer yourself. Not as good, but better than exercises & adjustments that don't work.

Even if the cause of your pain differs from mine, acupuncture is so great at dealing with pain. Just a thought.