Hey! I totally get what you are going through. Long hours at a desk can really wreck your neck and shoulders.
For your situation I would recommend a shiatsu massager with heat. It does the best job at breaking up deep muscle knots by mimicking real hand kneading movements. Percussion devices are powerful but can feel too intense for the neck area. Electric wraps are gentle but will not do much for serious knots.
If you want something that truly replicates a professional massage experience, the Bionic Finger Neck and Shoulder Massager is worth looking into. It uses finger like nodes that press and rotate just like a real therapist would, making it one of the most natural feeling options available.
Yes it genuinely relieves tension especially with regular use. Keep each session to around 15 to 20 minutes and never place it directly on your spine, only on the surrounding muscles. Avoid using it on inflamed or broken skin and if you have any nerve issues check with a doctor first.
Brands like Renpho, Snailax and Zyllion are solid budget friendly options that work really well.
Give it a couple weeks of consistent use and you will notice a real difference. Totally worth the investment!