Safety First: Precautions and Tips for Using the Neck Hammock

The Neck Hammock gently tractions your neck to provide decompression and realignment. When used properly, it is a very safe method for relieving neck pain. However, some basic precautions should be followed, especially when beginning use.

This guide covers key safety tips and precautions to make sure you use your Neck Hammock effectively and avoid injury.

Choose a Safe Location

Set up your hammock in a location that allows safe use:

Sturdy Support

• Hang the hammock from a sturdy beam, rafter, or chin-up bar that can support your full body weight. Don’t use a delicate object or loose fixture.

Adequate Clearance

• Leave enough open space around the hammock so you don’t hit walls, furniture or other objects when reclining back.

Proper Height

• Adjust the hanging height so your neck aligns comfortably without straining up or down. Use extensions if needed.

Cushioned Surface

• Lie on a padded surface like a yoga mat or carpet remnant to avoid pain from a hard floor.

Non-Skid Surface

• Place a non-slip mat under the yoga mat to prevent sliding on smooth floors during traction.
• Choosing a safe setup location reduces the chance of falls or bumps during use.

Adjust Intensity Slowly

• Go slow when adjusting the intensity to avoid overstretching:

Start with Minimum Tension

• Initially, the traction is very light, especially if you have severe pain. Provide just enough pull to produce a gentle stretch.

Increase Gradually Over Time

• Only begin incrementally increasing tension after several sessions as your neck adapts. Avoid quick increases.

Reduce Any Discomfort

• If you feel pain or tingling during a session, immediately decrease the stretch intensity by loosening the foot straps.
• Tuning intensity slowly allows your body to acclimate to the decompression.

Maintain Proper Alignment

Good alignment ensures a safe, effective stretch:

Align Your Spine

• Keep your neck, head, and spine neutrally aligned. Don’t let your head tilt sideways.

Control Reclining Motion

• Recline back slowly and smoothly as you get into position. No abrupt movements.

Relax Muscles

• Consciously relax all muscles. Tensing creates resistance and reduces stretch effects.

Check Alignment

• Periodically confirm your neck and spine are still properly aligned as you decompress.
• Proper alignment distributes the stretch evenly and avoids localized pinching.

Add Support as Needed

• Additional supports can enhance comfort and alignment:

Cervical Pillow

• Place a small pillow under your neck for support if needed to maintain a neutral spine.

Knee Support

• Bend your knees with your feet on the floor to take pressure off your lower back.

Arm Rests

• Rest your hands on a pillow on your torso to avoid shoulders tensing upward.

Leg Elevation

• Raise your legs onto a pillow if the tension in your hamstrings causes back discomfort.

Rolled Towel

• Place a rolled towel under your mid-upper back to help maintain natural spine curvature.
• Strategic support allows you to relax fully in the optimal position.

Stop Any Acute Pain

Discontinue use and consult a doctor if:

You Feel Sharp Pain

• Any sensation of sharp, stabbing or shooting pain indicates you have overstretched.

Do you Feel Numbness or Tingling?

• These sensations may arise from nerve compression. Do not try to stretch through.

Your Symptoms Worsen

• Worsening headaches, reduced mobility or increased pain signal a problem.
• Do not try to push through intense pain or nerve symptoms.

Additional Safe Practices

Other tips for safe use include:

Don’t Fall Asleep

• Remain awake and aware. Inadvertently overstretching while sleeping risks injury.

Avoid Use After Meals

• Wait at least two hours after eating large meals to avoid nausea from reclining.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink water before and after sessions to assist spinal fluid flow.

Listen to Your Body

• Carefully tune into all physical sensations and respond appropriately.

Monitor Time in Hammock

• Use a stopwatch to avoid overdoing sessions when relaxed.
• Following safe practices reduces the likelihood of complications or mishaps.

Master Proper Technique

Learning and consistently using proper technique is the best way to prevent injury:

Review Instructional Content

• Study all provided user materials thoroughly to understand proper use procedures.

Watch Training Videos

• View online instructional videos for visual demonstrations of the ideal technique.

Go Slow When Starting

• Take extra care when first learning to use equipment. Don’t rush.

Identify and Correct Mistakes

• If not getting results or having discomfort, analyze your technique to spot errors.

Practice Sessions

• Initially do a few dry runs without traction to master reclining and body positioning.
• The solid technique ensures you stretch safely and efficiently.

Customize Your Routine

Fine-tune your traction routine to your condition for optimal safety:

Starting Shorter Sessions

• Begin with just 5-10 minutes in the hammock until you adapt and strengthen.

Target Specific Areas

• Focus the stretch on problem areas but avoid direct pressure on the facet joints.

Reduce Frequency if Very Stiff

• If your neck is extremely inflexible, traction every other day initially.

Apply Heat First If Muscle Spasm

• Warming tissues may allow for a safer, deeper stretch.

Alternate with Gentle Exercises

• Balance traction with gentle stretches and isometrics to stabilize muscles.
• Customizing your approach maximizes benefits while minimizing risk.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your physician promptly if:

• Pain or nerve symptoms persist or worsen after a few sessions
• You experience injury or trauma to the neck
• You have questions about the hammock’s safety for your specific health condition
• You want to discuss the hammock’s fit within your overall treatment plan
• Doctors can provide personalized guidance on using traction safely.

The Neck Hammock is designed to be very safe when protocols are followed. But always listen to your body, err on the side of gentleness, and see a doctor if you have any concerns. With prudent use, the hammock can realign your neck and keep you pain-free.

Troubleshooting Discomfort

If you experience discomfort using the hammock, try these troubleshooting tips:

Reduce Traction Intensity

• Tighten the foot straps less to decrease the traction force.

Adjust Support and Alignment

• Add pillows or change position to properly align the neck and back.

Warm Up Tissues

• Apply a heating pad or warm compress to tight neck muscles before sessions.

Hydrate and Relax

• Stay well hydrated and use breathing techniques and meditation to fully relax muscles.

Take Breaks

• Take a day or two off from traction to allow tissues to recover.

Identify Technique Issues

• Review instructions and videos to identify if you are using improper form.

Consult Your Doctor

• Describe the discomfort to your doctor to rule out contraindications or get specialized advice.

Being attentive and responsive to your body helps maximize benefits while avoiding injury. With some fine-tuning and patience, you can use the hammock discomfort-free.

Make Safety a Priority

Using your Neck Hammock safely is the key to enjoying all of its benefits. Follow all precautions, take it slow, maintain proper form, listen to your body, and consult your doctor with any concerns. With a safe, prudent approach, the hammock can realign your neck and restore comfort.