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Neck Hammock Review
UPDATED April 2024
A cervical traction device stabilizes your neck and helps stretch your muscles. Our New Hammock review will help you understand the benefits of this cervical device.
Total Rating: 4.5
4.5/5
BOTTOM LINE: The Neck Hammock is an original product designed to help customers relax and cope with neck pain. It comes with accessories for using it in different positions and requires as little as 10 minutes to put it together time.
PROS:
- Can possibly ease neck pain according to the company
- Takes just 10 minutes to use
- It gives stability when using the hammock from a standing or lying position.
CONS:
- Some customers felt uncomfortable when using this device
- Some wished that it provided more traction.
- Some wished that the manufacturer included instructions on how to use it.
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What is the Neck Hammock?
The Neck Hammock is an original product designed to help those dealing with neck pain and headaches cope with their pain and relieve some of their symptoms. It consists of a small hammock that supports your neck.
The product works when lying in bed, on a couch, and when standing up. The Neck Hammock itself uses a soft material that won’t wear or rub against your head. It also has small metal loops that attach to resistance bands. Those bands provide resistance to reduce pain.
Shoppers like this device because it provides them with the same relief that they get from a physical therapy office but in the comfort of their own homes. Not only can you use this anywhere in your home, but you can also take the hammock with you to get some relief on vacation. You’ll no longer need to skip family vacations or avoid hanging out with your friends because of your pain. We’ll make sure that you know everything you need to know about it by the time you reach the end of our Neck Hammock review.
Who's This for?
The Neck Hammock is a type of cervical traction device that is suitable for anyone dealing with constant or frequent neck and head pain. Some of the reasons you might experience neck pain include:
- You spend too much time looking down on or up to the screens on electronic devices
- You have a herniated disk somewhere in your back or neck
- You suffer from a compressed nerve
- You slept wrong the night before
Most people today suffer from neck pain because of muscle strain, which occurs because of how they use electronic screens. If you frequently bend down and hunch your shoulders over to look at those screens, you put more pressure and stress on your neck. This can eventually lead to pain that can move through your shoulders and down your back.
While you should go to a doctor or a physical therapist to treat these pains first, you can also ask them about products like Neck Hammock. They may agree that these types of products may reduce pain.
Signs of a Compressed Nerve
Also called a pinched nerve, a compressed nerve occurs when you put too much pressure on one nerve or a group of nerves. Some of the signs of this condition include:
- Numbness or a lack of sensation
- What feels like pins and needles stabbing you
- Weakness in one or more muscle groups
- Limbs keep falling asleep
- Sharp and intense pains
Tips for Using the Neck Hammock
- At the first feeling of pain: You should really use the Neck Hammock as soon as you notice any pain. The longer that you wait to use it, the less relief you might get.
- Use a floor mat: Most people get relief when using this traction device in a laying position on the floor. You may find that the hardness of the floor affects your back though, which is why we recommend using a floor mat. Even something as simple as a yoga mat will provide some extra support and reduce the rough feeling of the floor.
- Choose the right spot: Before using the Neck Hammock for the first time, you must make sure that you choose the right spot. Though the manufacturer recommends using it with a doorknob, not all doors and knobs are created equally. You may find that your door is too weak and that the device actually damages the door. If you have concerns about using it with your door, you can use the included accessories to connect it to a heavy piece of furniture or another large object around your home.
- Stick to the 10-minute time frame: Though you might feel tempted to use the hammock for more than 10 minutes, you should stick to the time frame listed by the manufacturer. If you spend too much time in traction, you can do some serious damage to your head, neck and back.
Signs of Sciatica
Sciatica is a medical condition that can occur because of a back injury. It can cause pain in the neck, but you may find some relief when using the Neck Hammock. Some of the symptoms of sciatica include:
- Weakness in one or both legs
- Pins and needle sensation in your lower back, buttocks or legs
- Pain that shoots from your back to one or both legs
- An intense cramping sensation in your lower legs
- Any type of pain that worsens with physical activity
How Does the Neck Hammock Work?
The Neck Hammock essentially works in the same way that some forms of physical therapy would. It lifts your head off the ground and gently separates it from your neck. The process allows your neck muscles to gently stretch and relieve some of the tension that you feel. It will also help stretch the muscles in your back and shoulders.
The Neck Hammock pulls and stretches all the main muscle groups in your back. This can improve your circulation and let more blood and nutrients reach those muscle groups, which can help you reduce pain in the future.
When using the device because of a pulled or sore muscle, it may reduce some of the pressure on that muscle. The Neck Hammock may reduce your outbreaks of future pain, but it’s not guaranteed.
Symptoms of a Tension Headache
- Sore shoulder muscles
- Tender spots forming on your neck, head and/or back
- Pain that worsens around loud noises or bright lights
- A band of pressure and/or pain that wraps around your head
- Intense pressure that moves from the top/back of your head into your neck
Benefits of the Neck Hammock vs. Traditional Doctor Visits
The biggest benefit that the Neck Hammock has over the traditional doctor and physical therapy appointments that you make is the sheer cost. Even if you have health insurance, you might pay $20 or more out of pocket for your PT appointments. If you use this hammock even twice, it will pay for itself. You can also skip the long wait times at the doctor too. Most offices require that you sign in when you get there and wait until the receptionist calls your name. You might spend an hour or more at the office, which you can’t afford to waste. The Neck Hammock lets you get the same level of relief at home in only 10 minutes.
You’ll also find that it has the added benefit of giving you a more convenient way to treat your pain. If you suffer from a chronic condition such as sciatica or tension headaches, you know exactly what it means when those symptoms first hit. Instead of calling a medical office and trying to get an appointment sometime in the next week or month, you can grab this hammock and treat yourself at home. It gives you an affordable and convenient way to deal with all your pain.
WARNING
While the Neck Hammock can treat aches and pains, it will not replace the PT appointments that your doctor recommends. You may need to use this device in addition to physical therapy.
Can Anyone Use the Neck Hammock?
The Neck Hammock is a good product for anyone who works in an office or sits behind a computer all day. Even if you feel comfortable in your desk chair, it may put you too close to your computer or prevent you from staring directly at that screen.
The Neck Hammock is also a good choice for those who work out and exercise frequently because it helps them stretch the muscle groups that they would otherwise ignore. Despite being suitable for many users, it’s not recommended for everyone.
Anyone who is 16 years old or younger should not use this hammock. The manufacturer also warns those with an acute cervical injury from using the device. If you have a condition that impacts the stability of your spine, you shouldn’t use this device either.
If you have any questions about whether the Neck Hammock will work for you and whether you can use it, you should speak to your doctor first. It’s also helpful to consult a physical therapist who can determine whether you need traditional traction in a clinical setting or if you can use a traction device at home.
Signs of a Herniated Disk
- Lower back pain
- Pain that shifts from the lower back into your buttocks and/or legs
- Any pain that worsens as you sit for an extended period of time
- Swelling in one or more areas of your back
- Discomfort that worsens over time
What are Some of the Symptoms That the Neck Hammock Can Relieve?
You may not realize the impact that poor posture has on your life in general. Even if you walk correctly, you probably don’t sit the way that you should. You might spend a lot of time sitting on your couch or bed with a computer or tablet on your lap and even more time sitting and staring down at your smartphone.
Poor posture can cause significant pain in your neck and lead to even more pain that shoots down through your back and lower body. The Neck Hammock is one of the only products on the market that can reduce the symptoms caused by poor posture and not getting enough sleep.
Effects of Poor Posture
- Pain that worsens later in the day
- Discomfort and pain that keeps you from sleeping
- Increases your risk of suffering from slipped disks
- Can interfere with your digestion
- May make you feel more tense or stressed
How Often Can You Use the Neck Hammock?
As mentioned in a previous section, the manufacturer of the Neck Hammock recommends using it for 10 minutes at a time. Depending on the severity of your pain and the cause behind it, you may need to use it for up to 15 minutes before you experience any relief.
You will want to set up the hammock and get in the position that works best for you. If you cannot see a clock from this position, you can set a timer on your phone.
It’s helpful to use it for 10 minutes and then see how you feel. You can gradually work your way up to 15-minute increments by adding 10 to 30 seconds to each time frame as you use it.
You can use the Neck Hammock two to three times A day. Instead of using it every hour or on a more regular basis, you should spread out your uses. The manufacturer recommends using the Neck Hammock and then waiting a full four hours before you use it again.
During the first few days that you use it, you should stick to just one session a day. You can slowly increase the number of sessions that you do over the coming weeks.
Signs You Should Watch for When Using the Neck Hammock
You may notice some discomfort when using the Neck Hammock. While some discomfort is normal, you should pay attention to signs that you should use it less or discontinue using it completely. Those signs can include:
- Headache
- Sudden onset of nausea
- Intense back pain
- Extreme pain or discomfort
Where Can You Buy the Neck Hammock?
You probably won’t find the Neck Hammock available for sale in local stores, but you will find it available for sale from a few different online stores. This article includes a link at the top where you can buy it from.
One thing to keep in mind is that Amazon offers the Neck Hammock 2.0. The official site still has the older model available, which it often refers to as the original Neck Hammock.
Though both models are similar and have the same benefits, the 2.0 model uses solid straps attached to the neck cushion that wraps around your neck. The older model has metal rings that need to attach to the resistance bands before attaching the resistance bands to your door or another object.
If you buy from Amazon, you have the choice between buying directly from the site or from a third-party seller. When the product goes out of stock, those third-party sellers will often have it available. Those sellers often charge more than Amazon does for shipping and handling too.
Benefits of Buying the Neck Pillow from Amazon
- Lets you compare prices from different sellers
- Gives you the chance to read reviews from real customers
- Prime members get fast and free shipping
- You can compare the Neck Pillow to similar products
- Amazon offers a solid warranty
- You have the chance to write a Neck Hammock review of your own
What Comes in the Box?
- Straps: Multiple sets of straps designed to wrap around both a door jam and any posts or poles in your home.
- Eye mask: Completely blocks out all the light around you.
- Door hanger:Lets others know that you are behind the door. This prevents accidents caused by others trying to open that door.
- Foam cushioned wrap: Has added pads that cover the base of the head and your ears to help you lay down comfortably. The foam inside wraps around your head and keeps any of the other parts from rubbing uncomfortably against you.
- Carrying bag: Made from spandex that expands to fit the Neck Hammock and all the included accessories inside. This bag has strings with toggle buttons on the end that make it easy to open and close the top.
Neck Hammock comes with both the cushion you need to support your head and all the following accessories
Should You Buy it?
While I might recommend the Neck Hammock, I want you to consider all the following pros and cons for yourself.
Pros
Many people experiencing neck pain use something called a neck wedge. This is a type of pillow designed to elevate your neck and stretch the muscles along the back of your neck.
The Neck Hammock works in a similar way and is recommended by a number of doctors, therapists, and chiropractors around the world. They like that it allows their patients to lie down or stand up as they work on improving their muscles.
Another good benefit is that it works much faster than other devices do. Instead of spending an hour or more on other products, you can get similar results at home in just 10 to 15 minutes. Though you likely want to spend just 10 minutes in traction, you can later add a few seconds to the total amount of time you spend in the hammock until you spend a full 15 minutes using it. Those sessions help reduce tension at the end of a long day and let you get your day off to a good start in the morning.
When to See a Doctor About Your Neck Pain
Though the Neck Hammock can provide relief, you still need to know when to see your primary care physician.
- No home remedies provide any relief
- The pain comes on quite suddenly and spreads to other parts of your body
- You experience a wide range of symptoms
- The neck pain differs from the pain you felt before
- Your pain gets worse over time
While other cervical devices come as-is, this product comes with a carrying case. You can set it up and use it on your bedroom or living room door and then put everything away. Not only does this keep the device out of the way of others, but it keeps you from losing all those accessories.
The door hanger is a great addition for those who live in a home with others. You can hang it on the outside of the door and caution your loved ones to use care when opening the door because you’re on the other side.
The manufacturer points out that the Neck Hammock is one of the few cervical devices with approval from the FDA. This lets you know that it met or exceeded all the testing and other requirements imposed by the FDA before it could go up for sale.
Many customers like that this device is adjustable. You can adjust the way you attach it to a door or a column to feel just the right amount of stretching along the back of your neck.
Customers like the affordable price tag of this product too. You can buy the Neck Hammock from Amazon or the official website for around $50, though the price can go up and down.
Cons
A large number of negative reviews posted on Amazon claimed that the Neck Hammock used too much tension and caused severe headaches. As the manufacturer says that you should discontinue using it if you experience a headache, you may find that you can only use it once. Some of the other issues and complaints that shoppers had include:
- Users felt uncomfortable when using it
- They couldn't get it set up properly because it did not come with instructions
- May provide too much tension and worsen symptoms
- The padding on the collar didn't provide enough cushioning
Though it’s important that you weigh both the pros and cons, you may find that the pros make you want to try the Neck Hammock.
The Competition
When suffering from head and neck pain many people get relief with a heating pad. Most of the top heating pads have a timer function that shuts them down before they get too hot. This reduces the risk that you might burn yourself and overload a circuit.
Ice packs can also provide relief because the cold essentially freezes the impacted muscle group. You may want to take ibuprofen and over-the-counter medications too. Over-the-counter topical creams and sprays can work well too. A spray is a good choice because you can apply it directly to the affected area without any help.
There are a few other traction devices that work on your neck and compete directly with the Neck Hammock too.
One of those devices is the Cervical Neck Traction Device from EverRelief. This represents one of the newest trends in the home treatment world, which involves the use of inflatable devices. It looks like a small collar with a pump that you can attach to the end.
Velcro straps around the sides help you adjust the fit of the collar to make it fit comfortably around your own neck. You need to wrap the collar around your neck and then tighten it before reaching for the pump. As you squeeze the pump, it pushes air into the collar and inflates it to provide the traction that you need.
Another alternative is the Posture Pump Cervical Disc Hydrator. If you want a cervical traction device that you can use when lying on your living room floor, this is a good choice. You can use it flat on the floor and with any pillow or cushion of your choosing.
It has a pump attached to a line that attaches to the side of the device. As soon as you get into a comfortable position, you can squeeze the pump to get the traction that you need. Designed specifically for compressed disks and similar conditions, it can decompress your disks and relieve your pain.
With a retail price of nearly $120, the Posture Pump Cervical Disc Hydrator is easily one of the most expensive products out there for treating neck pain at home. One benefit of the pump device is that you can easily increase the tension and resistance levels that you use from a lounging or lying position.
With the Neck Hammock, you need to set it up and choose the right level of resistance before getting into position. The Neck Hammock gets more recommendations from professionals such as chiropractors though.
You may want to consider products such as the Neck Cervical Traction Over the Door Kit too. As the name implies, this is a traction device designed for use over a door frame. You can pop it right on the top of your door and set up the whole device in just a few minutes.
A cloth wrap hangs down from the device and allows you to stick your head inside and rest your chin on the bottom. It comes with detailed instructions that show you how to install it on any type of door. This device is adjustable and allows multiple people in the same house to stretch their neck muscles and battle neck pain.
You can only use this product in a standing position and on a door. As it takes up a lot of space, you will need to take it down and put it back up again each time you want to relieve your neck pain. Though it does have some padding on the head wrap, you may wish that it had just a little more padding. The Neck Hammock generally fits more comfortably on more users and costs just a little more.
You can easily compare the Neck Hammock to all the leading alternatives to decide which one is best for you
Final Verdict
Before you can see a physical therapist, you usually need to speak to your primary care physician and get a referral. Even with good health insurance, it can cost hundreds of dollars to see your regular doctor and a therapist. The Neck Hammock is a good product for those who want to treat neck pain at home.
Thanks to the included carrying bag, you can store the Neck Hammock anywhere in your home and reduce the risk of losing any of the included accessories.
If you want a simple way to treat head and neck pain as well as shoulder and back pain, the Neck Pain is a great choice to ask your doctors or other healthcare providers about.
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