Introduction:
The spinal cord compression effect can go from your neck down to your lower back. Daily use of your spine is a significant cause of compressing the spine over time. Even gravity impacts spinal compression. You can shrink between 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch each day due to compression! Your height varies throughout the day as a result.
At night, when we lie down, gravity does not pull us in a direction to make us smaller. So when our bodies stretch, we become taller again. Think about astronauts who have not felt gravity for months. Yes, they grow taller, too. NASA Astronaut Kate Rubins grew from her "Earth height" of 171 cm to her "space height" of 174.4 cm.
Fisher Traction's inventor, Dr. Jeff Fisher, took into account science when he created his home traction device to help us fight against the compression of gravity on our spines. One of his critical suggestions on when to use his Fisher Traction at-home device is before bed. Dr. Fisher came up with this specific time to Decompress your spines because of the following research data published by NASA's space scientists.
NASA's Research on Human Anthropometry
The Study of Body Measurements in Space Travel
Anthropometry is a scientific study of measurements of the human body. It is a vital part of any space program. This branch of science helps NASA analyze how space travel affects human body measurements to make better spacecraft environments. The evolution of body shapes must be considered to guarantee the proper functioning of the astronauts' equipment. This includes their clothing and the controls of the spaceship.
Integrating Anthropometric Data in Spacecraft Design
The NASA Scientists, who study body shapes work hard with design teams to ensure that spaceships, spacesuits, and other gear fit well when bodies change in space. The spine gets longer in space due to no gravity.
Understanding Spinal Compression
So, what is spinal compression? And what causes it?
The spine has soft cushions called discs. When these discs get squeezed, it is called spinal cord compression. This squeezing stops water, healing nutrients, and air from flowing through the spine.
Gradually, the discs may be herniated or bulged. Thus, you will have pain and nerve damage.
This is typically due to a slow build-up of stress (osteoarthritis), which is often seen in adults over the age of 50. Various reasons besides normal aging can cause spine compression. For instance, dangers such as breakage, scoliosis, spinal tumors, infections, bone diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis are other causes of the disease and can be seen at any age.
Spinal Cord Compression Symptoms
Spinal compression can happen slowly or quickly. It depends on the cause. Infections or tumors may cause it over days or weeks. Injuries can make symptoms start right away. Wear and tear can take years to cause symptoms.
Here are the symptoms of this condition:
- Back, lower back, neck pain and stiffness
- Burning pain in arms, buttocks, or legs (sciatica)
- Numbness, weakness, or cramping in arms, legs, or hands
- Problems with sexual function
- Difficulty coordinating hand movements
- Loss of feeling in feet
What does Spine Decompression Mean?
Spine decompression helps relieve pressure on the spine. This method stretches the spine and takes away extra force on the discs. Thus, the discs can rest and heal.
There are surgical and non-surgical ways to decompress the spine. A popular non-surgical technique involves changing how you sleep. By keeping the spine aligned while sleeping, less pressure is put on the back.
Other non-surgical options are:
- Taking pain medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Using heat or cold therapy.
- Trying acupuncture.
- Getting a massage.
- Seeing a physical therapist.
However, for conditions like spinal stenosis, sciatica, slipped disc, spinal injuries, or metastatic spinal cord compression, lumbar decompression surgery may be a better choice.
Spinal Decompression Benefits
Trying spinal decompression treatments can help you in many ways. Here are some benefits that can improve your life.
- Less back pain (upper and lower)
- Move around more easily
- Less stress on your spine
- Stop future back pain
- Better posture
- Sleep better at night
- Fewer headaches
- Pain-free treatment
- Long-lasting results
Enhancing Your Nightly Routine: The Benefits of Using Fisher Traction Before Bed
Dr. Fisher developed the Fisher Traction device to treat spinal compression. The key recommendation to maximize the effect of this device is to incorporate it into your nightly routine. Here's why it is essential to decompress your spine at night and how using Fisher Traction before bed is particularly beneficial.
1- Proper Sleeping Positions
Sleeping with a hip flexed position can make your back feel better. It doesn't strain your back muscles and bones. Switch sides so both sides get relief.
To get into this position:
- Lie on your side in bed.
- Bend your hips at about a 30-degree angle.
- Bend your knees at another 30-degree angle. This may feel odd at first, but these angles keep your body balanced while stretching your neck and lengthening your spine.
One good way is to put a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side. This keeps your hips parallel. A memory foam lower back pillow also helps align your hips and pelvis. If you sleep on your back, make sure your eyes are facing the ceiling. Putting a small pillow under your knees can help support your lower back in this position, too.
Taking these simple steps can lead to a more restful and comfortable night's sleep.
Bend your knees at 30 degrees. This lengthens your spine and releases the strain on your back. You can put another cushion under your neck. This gives support to your upper back.
Sleeping with your back slightly raised is also an excellent option. It can help loosen up your back. In this position, you sleep on your back with a pillow between your torso and legs. This removes the pressure on your spine and suppresses lumbar spine injuries and sciatica symptoms.
Experiment with the different options and settle on whatever feels best for your body.
2- Specialized Mattresses & Pillows
Choosing a proper sleeping position isn't the only way to decompress your spine in bed. You can also use sleep aids to keep you in position and comfortable throughout the night.
Memory foam has many benefits, especially if you are trying to elongate your spine. A memory foam pillow follows the natural curvature of your spine and removes excess pressure from your pressure points.
Similarly, you can invest in a memory foam mattress to take the pressure off your whole body. If you don't want to replace your mattress, buy memory foam mattress toppers.
3- Add a Fisher Traction Device to your Night Yoga Routine (Pre-Bed Exercises)
You can try some easy stretches to help take pressure off your spine. These exercises are gentle and can help relax your body before bed.
Here are some simple stretches that can help decompress your spine:
- Lying on your back (called the supine position)
- Heel slides (sliding your heel towards your body while lying down)
- Cat-Cow (arching and rounding your back while on hands and knees)
- Child's Pose (a restful yoga pose where you kneel and bend forward)
If you practice yoga, these poses may seem familiar. That's because light yoga and basic stretching are great ways to take pressure off your spine
3 Simple Steps to Pain Relief with Fisher Traction Back Device:
- Easy Setup: Slip the red loop over any exterior door handle or closed door from the inside. This is your anchor point for gentle traction.
- Perfect Positioning: Slide the waist belt over your hips, ensuring it sits comfortably below your waistline. Then, lie down on the floor and adjust your body so the bungees feel slightly taut.
- Decompress in Control: Use the release strap to control the amount of traction you feel. Go slow and listen to your body! You're in charge of your pain relief journey.
Watch the video below:
Addressing Spinal and Neck Problems with Fisher Traction
Your spine health matters a lot. It affects how well you feel and move daily. Many people live with back or neck pain, sciatica, slipped discs, and other spine issues. These conditions can be very uncomfortable. They can make simple tasks hard.
Fisher Traction works to ease neck pain, back pain, sciatica, and slipped discs. It improves your daily quality of life. Here's how it works: Fisher Traction gently stretches your spine. This helps take pressure off painful areas. It can relieve tightness and reduce nerve irritation. The traction also creates space between vertebrae. This may allow slipped discs to move back into place.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common issue. It often happens from poor posture or muscle strain. It can also come from conditions like cervical spondylosis. Neck pain can cause stiffness, headaches, and limited movement.
Fisher Traction can help with neck pain. It gently stretches and decompresses the neck and spine. This takes the pressure off the spinal discs and nerves. Fisher Traction can:
- Reduce muscle tension and stiffness in the neck.
- Ease pain from pinched nerves in the neck.
- Improve blood flow to the neck area to help healing and relaxation.
Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem. It can happen for many reasons, like when you strain or overwork the muscles in your back. Sometimes, it happens because a disc in your spine gets damaged. This disc might bulge out and put pressure on nerves. Certain spine diseases can also cause back pain. The lower back is often where the pain happens, and it can make it hard to move around.
The Fisher Traction method helps with back pain in the lower back area. It gently stretches the spine to:
- Take the pressure off the discs and nerves in your spine, which eases pain and swelling.
- Straighten out your spine's alignment so your back muscles don't get strained or tight.
- It makes you more flexible and able to move better, making daily activities more accessible and more comfortable.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition where you feel sharp, shooting pain. This pain travels from your lower back down to your legs. It happens when the sciatic nerve gets pressed on. This can be caused by a bulging disc or a narrowing of the spine.
Fisher Traction can help with sciatica. It works by taking pressure off the spine. This can:
- Ease the pain and discomfort from the sciatic nerve.
- Reduce swelling and make it easier to move.
- Improve the alignment of the spine. This stops the sciatic nerve from getting pressed on more.
Slipped Discs (Herniated Discs)
A slipped or herniated disc is a back problem. It happens when the soft, gel-like center of a disc in your spine pushes through the outer layer. This can put pressure on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
Fisher Traction can help with slipped discs without surgery. It works by:
- Creating more space between the bones in your spine. This reduces pressure on the bulging disc.
- It allows the disc to move back into place over time. This can help it heal naturally.
- Relieving nerve pain and improving the health of your spine.
Conclusion
The Fisher Traction device can make life much easier. It helps relieve pain and lets you move better. It also improves your posture and enables you to sleep well. Using Fisher Traction as part of your daily routine can lead to a healthier and more comfortable life.
Invest in your spinal health today by getting the Fisher Traction device. It can help with many things, like reducing pain, improving posture, and making you feel better overall. The Fisher Traction device is a great way to enhance your daily well-being simply and effectively.
FAQs about Fisher Traction® Device
What is Fisher Traction?
Fisher Traction is a traction device for neck and back pain relief that provides spinal decompression through a unique system, designed for traction at home.
Who can benefit from using Fisher Traction?
Individuals suffering from chronic back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and general spinal discomfort may find relief using this spinal decompression device. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting.
How do I set up the Fisher Traction Device for lower back pain?
For the neck device:
- Anchor the device to a door or stable surface.
- Adjust the harness around your lower back.
- Use the release strap to create the desired tension.
- Follow the provided instructions for optimal setup.
How do I set up the Fisher Traction Device for neck pain?
For the lower back device
- Attach the device to a door or similar anchor point.
- Position the neck harness around your neck.
- Adjust the tension using the release strap.
- Ensure the setup is comfortable and secure before use.
Can Fisher Traction be used every day?
Yes, Fisher Traction can be used daily, but it's important to listen to your body and avoid overuse, especially at the beginning.
How long should each session with the Fisher Traction Devices last?
Typical sessions last between 10 to 15 minutes. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase as your body adapts.