In my experience, doctors aren't very knowledgeable about structural issues, but physical therapists are. I've had multiple issues the doctors told me couldn't be fixed or they totally misdiagnosed (like that I had one leg longer than the other and needed orthotics when my hips were out of alignment), and a physical therapist was able to treat and/or give me exercises to correct. Occasionally chiropractors can help as well, depends on the chiropractor; a good one will pinpoint the problem and help you come up with ways to correct it as a physical therapist would, while one who is just in it for the money will want you to keep coming in for adjustments that only bring temporary relief. Occupational therapists may also be able to help.
Also, for what it's worth, I used to be a licensed massage therapist, and I've never heard of there being a danger in massaging the suboccipitals, in fact they can get very tight and sore and need attention. However you can tap them, especially if they're too tender or going into spasm. I used to do that for muscle spasms and knots anyway, rather than digging into them, which can bring relief but can be very painful to do and can also bruise the deep muscle tissue. I also do it to myself, anyone can if they can reach the spot. Tap the point ten times, wait ten seconds, then tap for up to two minutes. You can do this several times a day, be sure to drink water after doing it, as well as after any massage, as toxins are being released into the lymphatic system and need to be flushed. Pain can also be referred from another part of the body through myofascial restrictions, so if direct tapping doesn't work, you can experiment doing the tap on different parts of the body until you find the point that's related, I found it can often be on the toes, feet, ankles or legs.
Ice for 20 minutes, up to four times a day, also helps inflammation, using a washcloth or thin towel as a barrier between the skin and the ice pack so as to cool down the inflammation, not damage the tissue with it being too cold directly on the skin. When sore or in spasm, it's best to avoid heat, as it may temporarily help but actually increases inflammation. Once the inflammation goes down, it's good to alternate cold and moist heat. I use the ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas, or a ziploc bag of refrigerated water), then I put a wet washcloth in the microwave for a few seconds and apply it, making sure it's not so hot it will burn me.
I hope something here helped and that you find relief.
DISCLAIMER: I am no longer a licensed professional and this was friendly advice, not treatment. What you do with the information and the outcomes are solely your responsibility. I didn't share any information here that one can't find on the internet and YouTube from licensed professionals, and I encourage you to do your own research. The tapping technique came from Donna Eden's book Energy Medicine. It's your responsibility to seek appropriate medical help and advice from a licensed doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, etc., and I recommend you do so.
