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Neck Hammock Review: Does This Cervical Traction Device Really Work?

Do you have neck pain?

You are not alone. Many today are dealing with chronic pain and tension due to sitting at computer desks, using the phone, dealing with stress and other common issues.

Neck pain and stiffness are common problems that affect about 70 percent of us at some point in life. It can be caused by everything from neck muscle pain and tenderness to certain types of headache and nerve pain.

It often recurs and can continue long after the initial neck injury or issue has resolved.

More than 63 million American adults visited a chiropractor in the last 5 years, many of them for upper back or shoulder problems.

Now you can get the same relief in the privacy of your own home, office or on the go thanks to the Neck Hammock.

If you are dealing with pain, stiffness or tenderness in your upper back area, read our review of the Neck Hammock to discover how this solution can provide the pain relief you've been searching for.

What Is Neck Hammock?

ItNeck Hammock is a cervical traction device that works by gently pulling the head from the neck to alleviate pressure and discomfort, especially for people suffering from:

  • Cervical strains
  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Arthritis
  • Pain, discomfort, or spasms

During traction treatments, the musculature along the spinal cord relaxes and stretches. The spaces between the vertebrae expand, boosting circulation and oxygenating the sensitive tissues in the area. This releases pinched nerves, reduces herniated and bulging discs and relieves cervical pressure.

The Basics

This simple device is based on the principle of cervical traction, that offers an almost immediate solution to neck pain. Even better, the device is small and portable, so you can take it anywhere you go.

How the Neck Hammock Works

The Neck Hammock is an affordable and simple to use device based on the principle of cervical traction. Cervical traction, which is also called neck traction, has been used for years to ease cervical pain and tension especially in people who are suffering from:

  • Arthritis
  • Cervical muscle strain
  • Neck muscle sprains
  • Spasms
  • Herniated or bulging discs

This convenient hammock uses the same positioning for your neck that cervical traction does by using a combination of resistance bands, a special strap and gravity to gently and carefully stretch your neck, which helps:

  • Release pinched nerves in the neck
  • Improve circulation
  • Soothe neck pain
  • Ease fatigue
  • Promote a healthy range of neck muscle movement

You can feel better in just 15 minutes or less with a few simple steps:

1. Simply wrap the hammock strap around your door handle, door jamb or a railing.

2. Close the door.

3. Lie down close to the door.

4. Gently recline so that your head is resting in the hammock.

The product comes with detailed instructions. For the best results, follow the instructions to be on your way to bliss in minutes.

The resistance bands gently elongate your spine, decreasing the tension and easing the compressed neck tissues that are contributing to or causing inflammation and back pain.

The product is made of a special blend of polyester and spandex so that it is soft, stretchy and supple against your head and neck.

Is Neck Hammock Right For Me?

If you spend a lot of time cradling or looking down at your phone, using a laptop, bent over a desk or doing similar work, you are probably a perfect candidate.

You are probably a candidate if you are a laborer, do bodywork, shift work or drive for long periods. You might also be a candidate for the hammock if your neck or shoulders regularly:

  • Hurt
  • Are stiff
  • Lose range of motion
  • Ache
  • Burn or sting
  • Are tight

A Cervical traction product such as the Neck Hammock can relieve pressure in the head, release pinched nerves in the neck, and reduce herniated and bulging discs. Previously, you had to visit a therapist or chiropractor to receive cervical traction.

Of course, that was inconvenient, taking time out of your busy life, and expensive. Today, these simple traction devices have become more widely available, but not all are convenient, affordable or easy to use. Some are even potentially dangerous.

The Science Behind Cervical Traction

The device gently stretches the head from the neck, relaxing and elongating the muscles surrounding the spinal cord and ligaments. This allows the spaces between the vertebrae to expand, stimulating nourishing blood flow to the areas that were compressed.

As the circulation increases, the neck muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments are oxygenated, renewing tissue health, restoring mobility and decreasing pain in the neck.

The Neck Hammock was designed with you and people like you in mind. A doctor created the Neck Hammock to quickly, easily and safely relieve neck pain effectively and affordably. It helps alleviate pain, relieves muscle aches and opens compressed joints.

Getting the position right is a matter of getting comfortable. Once you have attached your hammock to the doorknob or jamb, the hammock should be about 2 to 4 inches from the floor. This ensures the position of your body is right for the correct tension and traction.

Once you lie down, the angle should feel relaxing rather than painful or irritating. Be as conservative as possible to start, and you can adjust the tension as you progress.

Focus on how your body, head and neck respond and make adjustments, moving your body close to the door to keep things gentle or away from the door to make it a little more intense.

Do not move the hammock, which can cause injury to your neck, shoulders or head.

Getting the position right is also a matter of your unique neck anatomy. Once the strap is in place, you will need to lie on the floor. It helps if you place your head in the hammock in a way that feels right for your body.

The hammock can sit either at the base of your skull or in the middle of your neck. Which one is right for you will depend on your lifestyle, needs, comfort and anatomy.

If you spend a lot of time texting, looking down at a screen or keeping your head angled down, you likely need to restore the natural curve in your neck. Nestling your neck on the pad can do that more effectively.

On the other hand, if you travel often, sit at a desk or have a sedentary lifestyle, you might feel better if you cradle the base of your skull in the pad for more general traction.

Our Review: What We Think of the Neck Hammock

Sometimes a product comes along and we think, “Why didn’t we think of that?” This is one of those products. The Neck Hammock promises to solve, or at least ease, problems that affect millions of people around the world, including everything from sore heads and muscle pain to pinched nerves and bulging discs in the neck.

Many of these problems are currently being treated using a hodge-podge of therapies, such as medications, supplements, hot or cold compresses, chiropractic care and other treatments.

While it won’t necessarily replace any of these therapies, it does offer the hope of cutting down on them by providing fast relief. With regular use, it might even help you move beyond them entirely.

Even better, the Neck Hammock is easy to use, convenient, portable and affordable. Again, the hammock is not designed to replace conventional care through your doctors, nor does it advertise itself as such.

The Neck Hammock is just a simple product that can supplement your routine. It’s fast and easy to hang anywhere you have a doorknob, jamb or rod, and all it takes is around 10 minutes daily to find relief. You’ll get a nice, relaxing extension to work out your painful neck kinks and soothe your irritated nerves or compressed joints.

If you have been struggling with pains, strains, discomfort or kinks, the Neck Hammock is worth a try, especially if you have not been getting much relief from other therapies. Did we mention that it’s affordable? You have nothing to lose except all those kinks in your aching neck.

Pros

Easy to use

There are no complicated processes or mechanics to worry about. You can just hang the device from your door and relax. The device is that simple, and the relaxation will kick in almost immediately. You can settle in and enjoy the soothing comfort for the next 10 to 15 minutes.

You can use it anywhere

If you have a handy door handle, then you can use the Neck Hammock. The product comes with an easy-to-carry spandex pouch that can slip in your luggage, bag or purse. You can take it anywhere you go, so you can soothe your discomfort at the office, on vacation, at home or on the go. Simply wrap the strap around a door or railing and relax down into the hammock, feeling the stress just melt away.

The results are fast

Forget waiting hours or days for your neck to feel better. Within just 10 minutes, your aches and tension will relax and fade, providing near instant relief.

It is versatile

While it is designed to relieve muscle and cervical pain, it does much more than that. It’s also extremely effective against tension headaches, poor posture, stress-related headaches and pain, kinks from sleep positions, and stress and anxiety-related back aches. Some users have even reported drifting off to sleep while using it. Don’t forget to set your timer. Spending too much time in cervical traction is not recommended by doctors.

The benefits just keep adding up.

The average human head weighs about 10 to 11 pounds, and it is balanced on top of your neck except when you are sleeping or reclining. Every time you bend over or turn, tilt, shift or move your head, you are putting more pressure on your neck.

Thank your neck with The Neck Hammock, which gives your back a break and gently relieves the pressure and releases the strain. The more you use cervical traction, the better you’ll feel, and the benefits will just keep adding up for your spine as a whole.

The product is guaranteed

The makers of the Neck Hammock are so confident that you’ll love it, they offer a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee. If you don’t get the benefits you need from your hammock, you can get a full refund within the first month of use. Keep all of the original packaging, inserts, parts and pieces organized to take advantage of this offer if you and your neck are not 100 percent satisfied.

Cons

It is not right for all neck issues

Your first question might be, “Is The Neck Hammock Dangerous?” Generally, the answer is no. It is as safe and effective as any cervical traction device. However, not everyone will benefit equally. Some people should not use it at all, especially if they have:

  • Tumors
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Acute neck injuries
  • Spinal instability or hypermobility

Some users also report that the device exerts pressure on their temples, which can cause headaches. Because this can be a positional issue, it is worth taking the time to ensure you are using it correctly before giving up entirely.

Lastly, it is not right for users under the age of 16.

You need to set a timer.

For many people, the device is easy to use, effective and relaxing. Drifting off to sleep is a real possibility but not advisable. The maker of the Neck Hammock recommends limiting use to no more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time for the best results. If you are not sure you can stay awake, set a timer that will remind you when your traction time is up.

It will not replace medical care.

While it is an excellent adjunct to your routine care and offers incredible benefits, the Neck Hammock was not designed to replace physical therapy and should be used to complement rather than take the place of other therapies. You can use the hammock daily to relieve back pain and discomfort and prevent future complications.

It can be tough to use for some people.

While the product has a simple, easy design, it can still be difficult for some, especially those who are older, who have disabilities or those with stiff joints. To use it properly, you need to be able to install it on a doorknob or jamb and then lie down on the floor. For some people, getting onto the ground and then getting back up again is a monumental task. Adding neck, shoulder and back problems into the mix can make it nearly impossible.

Practice makes perfect.

While all of us have similar anatomies, our bodies are unique. That means that you might need to make a few adjustments to ensure a truly comfortable experience. The goal is to achieve a gradual, gentle extension, and a lot of that is achieved based on feeling.

You will need to assemble your device in a way that feels right to you. Start with the gentlest position possible, and make adjustments as needed with each session. For a more aggressive neck elongation, move further from the wall or door. For a gentler manipulation, move along the ground until you are closer to the door.

More Reviews

That’s what we think of this solution, but what do other people think? We took to the web to find out. We found that reviews are almost invariably positive. People from around the country and the 100 countries where the product is sold tend to leave glowing reviews.

They’re overwhelmingly happy with their results. Here is a sample of some of the more satisfied users telling their stories in their own words, with each review explaining their circumstances.

What People Are Saying

Deeply Relaxing and Comfortable

D had already had two surgeries on their neck and was undergoing physical therapy when her therapist recommended adding The Neck Hammock to her daily routine. After she called and got approval from her health care provider, D started using The Neck Hammock and enjoyed immediate ease from neck pain. It melted away all the tension in her neck and shoulders. “If I relax completely, it works wonders,” D said. “I am so comfortable, I fall asleep.”

Less Pain, Helps Posture

Barbara's review tells about how she had a pinched nerve and poor posture. Using The Neck Hammock for just 15 minutes at a time has improved both. She uses it twice daily now to relieve back pain as well. “It is well constructed, easy to use and a priceless addition to my morning stretching and exercise regimen,” Barbara said. “I no longer feel comfortable using the poor neck posture that caused the pinched nerve in the first place.”

Effective Neck Pain Relief

IBG suffers from inflammatory arthritis and degenerative disc disease as well as cervicogenic headaches. Her physical therapist had her doing cervical traction already, but she called and asked about the Neck Hammock after seeing an ad. She incorporated it into her routine and found that she got more pain relief and a greater quality of life overall.

“If you have any neck pain at all, you will find this to be a big help,” she said. “My PT was impressed when I took it to a session for him to see.”

Relieves Acute and Chronic Symptoms

Alex is a chiropractic student who spends many hours studying in a fixed position. He uses the Neck Hammock periodically throughout his day to keep his neck healthy and in good condition regardless of his demanding study schedule. He would highly recommend it to his fellow students and colleagues as well as future patients. According to Alex, “(T)his product does not replace manual therapy, but it most certainly can help relieve acute and some chronic symptoms. After lying in the hammock for a short period, you can feel an immediate increase in range of motion in my neck.”

More Mobility

James strained his neck and couldn’t turn or bend his head. His doctor called and prescribed medications and exercises, which offered little comfort from her problems. He started physical therapy, which used a hold similar to The Neck Hammock, but the biggest changes came when he bought The Neck Hammock. “I don’t think I had ever felt such relief before,” he said. “I’ve noticed more mobility and my headaches were lessening … the short-term effects have been incredible.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Neck Hammocks Any Good?

According to the average Neck Hammock review, most users are extremely satisfied. While the Neck Hammock is not designed to take the place of any conventional treatment, it can help alleviate those aches and pains that crop up between appointments, soothe irritation, improve posture and keep you comfortable. In other words, the hammock does exactly what the hammock was designed to do.

Does neck traction really work?

A cervical traction device is often used to address neck problems. During a traction session, the head is gently pulled from the neck to expand the joints and reduce compressed areas. This solution is a convenient alternative to medication or surgery and can be used in formal physical therapy or at home.

A cervical traction device can ease neck tension, tightness, stiffness and discomfort. Studies have found that traction can be significantly effective for pain in particular, and this hammock is especially beneficial for that.

How long should you use a Neck Hammock?

The amount of time you use it product depends on several factors. Much like when you stretch other parts of your body, you will need to work up to deeper and more aggressive stretches.

If you wouldn’t dive right into the splits or a deep knee bend, then you also should not try to push your neck muscles to their limit right away, either.

If at any time while using your hammock you start feeling dizzy or nauseated, if you get a headache, or if you develop back pain, you might need to decrease the frequency or duration of your traction experience and move the pad closer to the middle of your neck.

When you begin, use the device for about 10 minutes at a time per period. If you are struggling with severe problems, you can use it two to three times daily, allowing about 4 hours between each session.

Once your body adapts, you can begin to increase your sessions to 15 minutes at a time. You can also gradually increase the depth of your stretches if you desire.

You can and should use the Neck Hammock even after your symptoms subside. You will probably be able to decrease the frequency of use after the acute stage of your spasms or discomfort.

However, much like regular exercise can keep your body fit, regular use will keep your spinal joints comfortable and healthy. How often you need to use your new traction device will depend on your typical daily routine and the pressure you normally exert on your spine.

Final Conclusion: Summing Up Our Review

While evaluating this product, we learned that the Neck Hammock is compact, easy to use and effective. The little hammock is designed to reduce pain and discomfort and provide a gentle, relaxing sensation when used as directed.

There is a lot to love about the hammock and a few minor concerns. First, the hammock not really for everyone or every type of issue. If you have certain pre-existing neck conditions, talk to your doctor first.

Second, because of the way the hammock is used, if you have difficulty getting down on the floor, you might need to come up with an alternative. You could install a rod above your bed, but that takes away from some of the simplicity of it.

Finally, for some, the pressure of The Neck Hammock on the temples can trigger discomfort. This is generally just a positional issue, but it could be severe enough for some users to discontinue hammock use.

All in all, we are big fans of this solution. We recommend it to nearly anyone who is having neck problems. In general, the positives outweigh the negatives. The hammock is affordable and an excellent investment in your health and overall wellness. The hammock is especially worth it if you regularly deal with stiffness and pain in your spine, upper back, or shoulders.

We especially recommend it for:

  • Students
  • Office workers
  • Athletes
  • Those who are often on their phone
  • Those with chronic or acute issues

The bottom line in this review is that although the Neck Hammock will not replace physical therapy for those with neck, shoulder or head problems, it can be a great complement to conventional medical treatment. The hammock might even help protect against future problems.

Ask your medical care provider if the Neck Hammock is a good solution for your neck issues, and follow us to learn more about great products to improve your neck or wellness.

Where can I get my own Neck Hammock?

If you have any neck problems, you are probably wondering where to buy Neck Hammock at this point. You can get your own online at the official website linked below.

While there may also be listings available on Amazon.com, it's best to purchase directly from the manufacturer for the fastest customer support and to avoid copycat products and receive an authentic device. Quality counts when it comes to your neck health and physical wellness.