What is the LiteSitter?
The LiteSitter is a revolutionary device that helps people who suffer from low back pain. It is one of the first devices to successfully unload the low back while sitting. Low back pain while sitting is very common due to compression on the lumbar discs and joints. The LiteSitter’s suspension harness decreases low back pain by unloading the lumbar spine, thus negating the heavy compressive force experienced while sitting.
How does the LiteSitter work?
The LiteSitter involves a harness that looks much like a back brace. This harness has a strap on the upper back edge which, when hung around a fixed object, provides suspension to the low back. This suspension removes weight from the low back providing immediate relief of pain caused by compressive forces on the lumbar spine’s disc and joints.
Who would benefit from using the LiteSitter?
Anyone who has low back pain or discomfort while sitting or experiences sciatica (radiating leg pain/numbness stemming from the low back) while sitting should try the LiteSitter. Best candidates are those people who already benefit from traction therapy such as: mechanical traction or manual traction in physical therapy, home traction machine, decompression therapy in chiropractor’s office, or a home inversion table.
What are the features of the LiteSitter?
A comfortable harness, much like a back brace. Non-slip inner lining for grip. Adjustable suspension strap for proper unloading/traction while sitting. Dual quick-release buckles for easy engaging and disengaging.s
Can I order custom size harness?
Yes. Please contact us with your requirements and we will send you a price quote. If you accept, we will custom manufacture within the specified time.
What are the safety features of the LiteSitter?
Narrow width to allow good trunk freedom for moving/reaching. Two dual quick-release buckles for getting in and out of harness easily. Adjustable suspension strap buckle in case user needs assistance getting out of seat while wearing harness.
Can I use while sitting?
Yes. The LiteSitter has the unique ability to unload the low back while sitting. What separates the LiteSitter from other traction devices is its unique ability to provide relief in the commonly painful sitting position. Other forms of unloading are achieved lying down (mechanical traction tables, home traction machines, decompression machines) or while hanging upside down on an inversion table. These forms of traction can be very effective. However, since sitting is one of the most compressive positions on the low back, symptoms commonly return after extended periods of sitting. The LiteSitter’s revolutionary design is able to transform the sitting position from an aggravating factor into a pain-relieving activity.
Can I use while driving?
Yes. The LiteSitter can be used in any chair with a headrest from which it can be suspended. It has been carefully designed for safety and to not interfere with driving. It is ideal for people who suffer from low back pain while driving for long periods of time. If you do plan on using the LiteSitter while driving, please read all warnings and safety instructions before operating vehicle.
How can I attach the LiteSitter to my car or truck seat?
Most vehicles have either a seat with a headrest or the head support is narrower than the seat back. In both cases, the LiteSitter can easily be suspended. Just wrap the suspension strap around the base of the headrest or around the indentation between the narrow top of the seat back and the wider body of the seat back, depending on which type of seat you have.
How can I attach the LiteSitter to my chair at home or office?
The LiteSitter requires a chair with a seat back that is higher than the user’s shoulder blades. This height is necessary for the LiteSitter to suspend and unload the lower back. If the home or office chair has a headrest, then wrap the suspension strap around the base of the headrest. If the chair does not have a headrest, but there is an indentation between the narrow top of the seatback and the wider body of the seatback, then the suspension strap can be wrapped around this indentation. For those chairs with a high enough seat back but with no place to hang the LiteSitter, a separate LiteSitter Hanger strap can be purchased from which to suspend the harness. See home page for details.
How does the LiteSitter provide spinal traction?
Unlike other braces, the LiteSitter has a suspension strap allowing it to be wrapped around a seat’s headrest to provide an unloading force on the lower back. By suspending the user’s torso at a height slightly higher than in the normal sitting position a portion of the user’s body weight is lifted out of the seat. By unweighting the buttocks, the weight of the lower body creates traction on the lumbar spine causing the low back to be decompressed.
How does the LiteSitter relieve my low back pain?
In most cases, low back pain is caused by compressive forces on the joints and discs of the lumbar spine. Studies have shown that one of the most compressive positions on the low back is sitting. Clinicians regularly use traction to treat patients suffering from low back pain due to compression, but the treatments are done either lying down or hanging in different positions. The LiteSitter is revolutionary because it is one of the first devices to successfully unload the low back while sitting, the low back’s most compressive position.
Can the LiteSitter cure my low back pain?
Unloading/decompression is a very successful treatment for low back pain. In many cases, by taking pressure off of injured discs and joints, low back pain can be completely resolved. The most successful cases are those who use the LiteSitter and also protect their low back by following proper body mechanics and a regular exercise regimen to strengthen the low back. At the very least, a user can expect temporary relief from low back pain while sitting in the LiteSitter.
How does the LiteSitter provide cyclic/intermittent decompression?
The discs in your spine depend on movement for nutrient-rich fluids to be pumped to them to maintain disc health. Cyclic decompression is a repetitive cycle of varying ranges of decreased pressure on intervertebral discs. It can restore herniated and bulging discs and provide nutrition for repair and maintenance of discs. When you use the LiteSitter in an automobile, the movement causes the body to bounce gently with every vertical movement of the vehicle due to uneven road surface, wind turbulence, etc. This gentle body bouncing results in cyclic decompression due to changes in the upward pull.
How does the LiteSitter function as a back brace?
While wearing the harness, the user not only gets the benefit of unloading from the suspension strap, but the harness also acts as a back brace to stabilize and support the low back. In fact, while sitting, the user could just use the harness as a back brace even when not using the suspension component. If you are planning to use the LiteSitter as a back brace while walking, make sure the loose portions of the straps are tucked in so that they do not get caught. Injury may result from the suspension strap getting caught while user is up and moving around.
How long can I wear the LiteSitter continuously?
Ideal treatment duration is between 5 and 45 minutes. Due to the time involved to position the LiteSitter, it may not be feasible to wear harness when running quick errands. Also, when sitting for long periods, it is recommended that you unbuckle the LiteSitter every 40-45 minutes. Longer periods and the harness may need to be repositioned and/or the chest/rib area may get sore. Harness should be disengaged for 10-15 minutes after each 40-45 minutes of use, and then may be used again. Overall, do not use harness for more than 45 minutes out of every hour. REMEMBER: do not try to operate vehicle while engaging and disengaging the harness.
Do I still need to use the seat belt if I am using the LiteSitter in my car?
Yes. While the LiteSitter provides some restraining against forward body movement in case of an accident, it is not designed to be as effective as the seat belt and hence we strongly recommend using the seat belt even if you are using the LiteSitter.
Is the LiteSitter comfortable?
Many combinations of materials and padding were used to design the most comfortable brace possible. Some pressure may be felt around the torso where the harness grips the user, but this slight pressure is outweighed by the relief of low back pain experienced by the user once the LiteSitter is engaged.
Can I return the LiteSitter if I am not satisfied?
Yes. The LiteSitter comes with a 10-day money back guarantee. If your low back pain is not helped by using the LiteSitter, or you are not satisfied with the device for any reason, just send the device back within 10 days of receipt for a full refund (minus shipping and handling charges). You must email LiteSitter and receive a Return Material Authorization Number (RMA) and specify this number along with the returned LiteSitter harness to receive a refund.
The harness tends to slip and “ride up” on me when I use it, what can I do?
First try to tighten the harness more, by exhaling while tightening buckle straps. If harness continues to slip, then lift up shirt. Non-slip lining will hold more securely if in contact with bare skin.
Will the LiteSitter damage my car seat?
We have tested on several car seats and have not noticed any damage. However, we do not guarantee that it will not damage your car seat or your chair. If you are concerned about the damage, you can use a soft cloth under the suspension strap.
What is the warranty on the LiteSitter?
The LiteSitter comes with a 3 month warranty against manufacturing defects. Any service performed outside warranty will be charged depending on the work and material needed. Contact LiteSitter for specific details.
How much of my weight can I suspend in the LiteSitter?
The LiteSitter is designed to take over 300 lbs. However, we strongly recommend not exceeding 200 lbs of weight suspended on the harness for safety.
How easy is it to wear and adjust the LiteSitter?
The initial set-up may take a few minutes in order to get the harness to the desired height. Once the initial set up is complete, subsequent uses will only require a matter of seconds to fasten the harness buckles. Adjusting or disengaging the harness buckles is no harder than adjusting or unbuckling a seat belt.
How long will it take for me to feel benefit from using the LiteSitter?
If your low back pain stems from a compressive problem, then relief by the LiteSitter should be immediate. Users report feeling anything from great immediate relief, as if a weight has been lifted off their spine, to more subtle relief, such as less stiffness or achiness when they get up from sitting.
How long do I need to use the LiteSitter?
Number of treatments depends on user symptoms. Those with more recent, minor back pain, may only require one month of use. Those with more severe, chronic pain may benefit from the LiteSitter indefinitely, for as long as they continue to feel relief while sitting.
When can I use the LiteSitter?
Any time you experience low back pain when sitting in a chair from which the LiteSitter can be suspended. Those that will benefit the most are those who are already helped by other forms of unloading: traction machines, decompression machines, inversion tables, etc.
When can I not use the LiteSitter?
The LiteSitter should not be used to treat these conditions: acute or traumatic injury, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal instability, spinal cord compression, fracture, malignancy, infections and inflammatory diseases, or any other conditions that may be made worse by movement. The LiteSitter should not be used by: women who are pregnant, children or people with severe osteoporosis, abdominal hernia, compromised skin or susceptibility to pressure sores.
Will my insurance cover the cost?
Most insurance companies may not cover the cost of the LiteSitter, so the LiteSitter was designed to be as affordable as possible. Some insurers may reimburse members for the cost of products/devices. Check with your actual insurer for specific coverage.
