Effects of a Postural Hammock in People with Chronic Neck Pain and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Musculoskeletal disorders (MD) affect over 1.7 billion people worldwide, with neck and low back pain being prevalent and debilitating conditions. Current treatments include various interventions, but novel approaches are needed to improve functionality and reduce disability. To evaluate the effects of a postural hammock on pain and functionality in people with chronic neck and low back pain. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants experiencing chronic neck and/or low back pain. They were assigned to either an experimental group using a postural hammock or a control group lying on a mat. Participants underwent five sessions of 10 min each over five consecutive days. <i>Results</i>: Forty-three subjects completed the study. While both groups showed improvements, the experimental group exhibited significant increases in hamstring flexibility and pain tolerance, measured through the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Postural hammock use demonstrated potential benefits in pain management and flexibility compared to conventional methods. <i>Conclusions</i>: Using a postural hammock may offer benefits for individuals with chronic back pain. Future research should explore combining hammock therapy with other interventions to enhance outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients with back pain.