EP0231282A4 - Apparatus for restoring curvature to the spine. - Google Patents
Apparatus for restoring curvature to the spine.Info
- Publication number
- EP0231282A4 EP0231282A4 EP19860904708 EP86904708A EP0231282A4 EP 0231282 A4 EP0231282 A4 EP 0231282A4 EP 19860904708 EP19860904708 EP 19860904708 EP 86904708 A EP86904708 A EP 86904708A EP 0231282 A4 EP0231282 A4 EP 0231282A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- force
- spine
- region
- concavity
- curvature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000003387 muscular Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 210000003625 skull Anatomy 0.000 claims description 13
- 210000000115 thoracic cavity Anatomy 0.000 claims description 10
- 210000004705 lumbosacral region Anatomy 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 208000000875 Spinal Curvatures Diseases 0.000 description 8
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 210000001624 hip Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 210000001562 sternum Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000000038 chest Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002089 crippling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001821 foam rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001981 hip bone Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009941 weaving Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/008—Apparatus for applying pressure or blows almost perpendicular to the body or limb axis, e.g. chiropractic devices for repositioning vertebrae, correcting deformation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/009—Physiotherapeutic tables, beds or platforms; Chiropractic or osteopathic tables
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to method and apparatus for manipulating the spine and more particularly to method and apparatus for restoring curvature to a human spine.
- the human spine is a column comprising thirty-three small bones or vertebrae for supporting the body. Two additional vertebrae atop the spine, the atlas and the axis, support the skull and allow it to rotate on the spine. Immediately beneath the axis are seven cervical vertebrae that make up the neck. The twelve bones immediately below them are the thoracic vertebrae of the back. These are followed by five bones that comprise the lumbar vertebrae in the small of the back. At the bottom of the spine, five bones, separate at birth, are fused during aging to form the sacrum between the hip bones. Beneath the sacrum is the coccyx, or tailbone, a single bone composed of four fused vertebrae.
- the cervical and lumbar vertebrae form concave curves that alternate with a convex curve of the thoracic vertebrae to support the body and absorb shock.
- the resulting shape of the spine crosses the body's vertical center of gravity, weaving back and forth.
- the cervical curve allows the body to hold the head up without undue strain.
- the lumbar curve provides balance to the body and is essential for walking erect. These curves thus provide much greater stability and strength to the body than a comparable straight column could.
- Loss of the spinal curves can be crippling for the body in general and the back in particular. This can occur through aging, injury, or simply poor posture. To compensate, the body responds with muscular action in an attempt to hold the head and body erect. But these muscles eventually strain, further damaging the body's health.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,461,102 to Ackerman discloses a posture correcting apparatus employing spaced-apart rollers for rolling longitudinally along both sides of the spine.
- One set of rollers is mounted within a table on which the body lies, with the second set moving longitudinally along the table on top of the body.
- U.S. Patent No. 2,660,999 to Thornton discloses a spinal alignment device comprising a table and a pair of opposed harnesses. One harness at the top of the table mounts to the head, and the second harness at the foot of the table mounts to the hips. The harnesses then pull in opposite directions away from each other to strengthen the spine.
- a third method applies force directly to the spinal curvatures.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,640,272 to Hussey illustrates this approach.
- a therapy table includes a cervical support shape to rest within the cervical concavity of the spine, with the body resting supinely upon the table. The body is then placed under longitudinal traction at the head and feet to align the spine.
- Kawada discloses a device shaped to fit within the lumbar concavity in conjunction with a support fitting within the cervical curve of the spine. Pressure is applied to the spine solely by the weight of the body. The device then vibrates to massage the lower back.
- an apparatus for restoring correct curvature to the human spine.
- the apparatus comprises a planar surface for supporting a person's body in a supine position and a spinal support means having a shape corresponding substantially to a posterior concavity of the person's spine.
- the spinal support means is adapted to press against the concavity of the spine for aligning the curvature thereof.
- the apparatus also includes force applicator means spaced apart from the planar surface for applying a force anteriorly and normally to the spine through the supine body. The force applicator means and spinal support means thus apply simultaneous opposing forces to the spine, the forces being aligned with the spine but longitudinally offset relative to each other.
- the spinal support means comprises a lumbar support of a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the lumbar region.
- the force on the spine resulting from the lumbar support is opposed by the force applicator means which is adapted to apply a force anteriorly to the immediately adjacent thoracic region of the spine.
- the spinal support means comprises a cervical support of a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the cervical region. This cervical support applies a force posteriorly to the spine, which is opposed by the force applicator applying a force anteriorly to the immediate adjacent atlas region of the spine.
- the force applicator means in this embodiment is a conventional linear actuator.
- the actuator provides a force that the body resists through muscular action as the actuator extends and withdraws.
- the embodiment disclosed includes both a cervical and lumbar support mounted in combination on a table.
- the force applicator is spaced above the table and is longitudinally movable relative to the table and the patient's body thereon to position the applicator substantially opposite either the cervical or lumbar support.
- the applicator thus can selectively apply a longitudinally offset force anteriorly to the thoracic or atlas regions of the spine.
- the apparatus herein illustrates a unique method for restoring correct curvature to the spine. A first force is applied uniformly to a posterior cavity of the spine. A second force is then applied simultaneously and anteriorly to the spine, the second force being aligned with the first force but .
- the patient then resists the second force through muscular action as the second force is applied and withdrawn.
- the first force may be applied to the upper lumbar region simultaneously with the second force applied through the body to the adjacent thoracic region.
- the second force may be moved and applied through the body to the sacrum region of the spine, with the first force still in place.
- the first force may be applied to the cervical region with the second force applied through the body to the adjacent atlas region.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spinal curvature apparatus according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of
- Fig. 1 shown with a person resting thereon.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a method for restoring curvature to the cervical region of the spine.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating additional steps in the method of Fig. 3.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a method for. restoring curvature to the lumbar region of the spine.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating additional steps in the method of Fig. 5.
- FIGs. 1 and 2 An apparatus 10 according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It generally comprises a planar surface 12 with spinal support means such as a cervical support 14 and a lumbar support 16 mounted thereon. Each support 14, 16 has a shape corresponding substantially to its named posterior spinal concavity and is adapted to press against the concavity for aligning its curvature. An opposing force is applied anteriorly to a spine 17 through a force applicator 18 spaced apart from the planar surface 12. The simultaneous, opposing forces of supports 14, 16 and force applicator 18 are aligned with spine 17 but longitudinally offset relative to each other.
- spinal support means such as a cervical support 14 and a lumbar support 16 mounted thereon.
- Each support 14, 16 has a shape corresponding substantially to its named posterior spinal concavity and is adapted to press against the concavity for aligning its curvature.
- An opposing force is applied anteriorly to a spine 17 through a force applicator 18 spaced apart from the planar surface
- planar surface 12 comprises the top of a supporting table 20.
- Surface 12 is sized and shaped to support a body supinely thereon and includes a retaining belt 21 for holding the body on table 20.
- a rectangular frame for supporting surface 12 is comprised of longitudinal beams 22, 23 and transverse beams 24, 25. Longitudinal beams 22, 23 are longer than surface 12 so that a rectangular aperture 26 exists between an inner transverse edge 28 of surface 12 and transverse beam 25.
- a set of table legs 30 are mounted each within a corner intersection of the beams. Each leg 30 rests on a leveler 34 that can be individually adjusted to level planar surface 12.
- each longitudinal beam 22, 23 is a horizontal guide rod 36 that runs parallel to the beam and is mounted thereto by brackets 38.
- Horizontal rods 36 support force applicator 18, allowing it to move longitudinally relative to surface 12 and a body thereon. By such movement, force applicator 18 can be positioned to apply a force to the spine through the body opposite either of supports 14, 16. The capability of movement also allows the applicator 18 to be pushed by muscular action of the body as will be described.
- Cervical support 14 and lumbar support 16 are removably attached to planar surface 12. Referring to Fig. 2, each support is positioned on surface 12 so that it presses against the associated spinal concavity of a person lying supinely on the planar surface. Support 14 is positioned adjacent to transverse edge 28 to enable the person's skull 39 to tilt backward over edge 28 as force is applied to spine 17 by force applicator 18.
- the shape of cervical support 14 is generally semicylindrical to correspond to the cervical concavity of spine 17 and includes a groove 29 to receive spine 17.
- the shape of lumbar support 16 is semicylindrical to correspond to the lumbar concavity and includes a corresponding groove 31.
- Supports 14, 16 are preferably made of a resilient material, such as dense foam rubber, to provide a static pressing force and yet are comfortable to lie upon.
- actuator 40 The force on the spine opposing supports 14, 16 is provided by force applicator 18 through a linear actuator 40, such as the type manufactured by Warner Electric Company of South Beloit, Illinois.
- actuator 40 includes a body portion 41 from which a piston 42 extends or withdraws under the control of the patient through a control switch 43.
- Actuator 40 is mounted vertically above table.20 on a movable frame comprising vertical support rods 44, 46 that straddle surface 12 and crossbars 48, 50 connected to support rods 44, 46.
- Its body 41 is bolted to upper stationary crossbar 48 within a cover 54 and is retained therein by a cotter pin 56 atop the cover.
- Piston 42 extends through crossbar 48 and connects at its outer end 58 to lower movable crossbar 50.
- Vertical blocks 60, 64 at each end of movable crossbar 50 allow it to slide along rods 44, 46 in response to extending or retracting piston 42.
- a pressure member 66 is pivotally mounted to apply the force anteriorly and normally against the spine through the body.
- member 66 includes a pad 65 for applying force to the skull anteriorly and therethrough to the atlas region of the spine.
- the same pad 65 or a wider pad 67 can apply force anteriorly to the thoracic region of the spine through the breastbone and to the sacrum region, as shown in Fig. 2.
- Force applicator 18 is movably mounted to table 20 so that its force may be applied opposite but offset from either supports 14, 16. As shown in Fig. 1, vertical rods 44, 46 are each attached to a bearing block 68 that rides along horizontal guide rod 36. Force applicator 18 may then be moved longitudinally to position it over the adjacent atlas region of spine 17 when applying force to oppose support 14. Force applicator 18 can also be moved longitudinally of the table to apply force to an adjacent thoracic region of the lumbar vertebrae to oppose support 16 or to the sacrum region. This freedom of movement is indicated by arrow 69, shown parallel to rod 36. The method of the invention is illustrated in
- a body rests supinely on a surface 12 with support 14 placed in the cervical concavity underneath cervical vertebrae 70.
- Support 14 applies a force uniformly to vertebrae 70 to induce correct spinal curvature.
- a second, opposing force is simultaneously applied by force applicator 18 to the skull 39 through pad 65 which pivots to maintain uniform contact with the skull.
- the force tilts atlas vertebrae 76 downward over transverse edge 28.
- This second force is resisted by the patient by raising his skull through muscular action.
- the skull movement pushes applicator 18 away as the applicator withdraws vertically and slides along guide rods 36 horizontally in response to sufficient pressure.
- pad 65 continues to pivot to maintain contact with the skull 39.
- FIG. 5 The method as applied to the upper lumbar concavity is demonstrated in Figs. 5 and 6.
- support 16 is placed within the lumbar concavity beneath lumbar vertebrae 78.
- Support 16 applies a force uniformly to lumbar vertebrae 78 to induce correct spinal curvature as a second, opposing force is applied by means such as force applicator 18 through pad 67.
- the second force is applied through the breastbone to press downward against the immediate adjacent thoracic vertebrae 80.
- the patient resists the second force by raising his chest through muscular action. As with the skull, the chest movement pushes applicator 18 vertically and horizontally away as the force of the applicator is withdrawn.
- the force applicator is initially centered over the sacrum region as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2, with the lumbar support 16 still in place.
- the patient resists the second force by raising his hips through muscular action.
- the hip movement drives the applicator forward toward the head and vertically away from the body as the force is withdrawn in response to sufficient pressure.
- the pad 67 pivots to maintain uniform contact with the- body during movement.
- the method disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiment shown. It may be applied in a horizontal position as described, and it may also be applied with the body at any angle.
- the method may be improved by applying the second force in a manner such that it remains substantially normal to skull 39 as the skull pivots forward in Fig. 4 and to the breastbone as the body pivots forward in Fig. 6.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for restoring curvature to the human spine (17). The apparatus includes a table (12) for supporting a body in a supine position. Mounted to the table are resilient lumbar (16) and cervical (14) supports. The supports are each shaped to correspond substantially to their named posterior concavity of the spine for applying a static force to the concavity. A force actuator (65) having a piston is spaced above the table to apply a fore anteriorly to the spine through the body, the piston extended against and withdrawn from the body as the body resists the force through muscular action. The force actuator is longitudinally movable (68) relative to the body in response to muscular action of the body.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTORING CURVATURE TO THE SPINE
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Serial No. 06/758,264, filed July 24, 1985.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to method and apparatus for manipulating the spine and more particularly to method and apparatus for restoring curvature to a human spine.
The human spine is a column comprising thirty-three small bones or vertebrae for supporting the body. Two additional vertebrae atop the spine, the atlas and the axis, support the skull and allow it to rotate on the spine. Immediately beneath the axis are seven cervical vertebrae that make up the neck. The twelve bones immediately below them are the thoracic vertebrae of the back. These are followed by five bones that comprise the lumbar vertebrae in the small of the back. At the bottom of the spine, five bones, separate at birth, are fused during aging to form the sacrum between the hip bones. Beneath the sacrum is the coccyx, or tailbone, a single bone composed of four fused vertebrae.
The cervical and lumbar vertebrae form concave curves that alternate with a convex curve of the thoracic vertebrae to support the body and absorb shock. The resulting shape of the spine crosses the body's vertical center of gravity, weaving back and forth. The cervical curve allows the body to hold the head up without undue strain. The lumbar curve provides balance to the body and is essential for walking erect. These curves thus provide much greater stability and strength to the body than a comparable straight column could.
Loss of the spinal curves can be crippling for
the body in general and the back in particular. This can occur through aging, injury, or simply poor posture. To compensate, the body responds with muscular action in an attempt to hold the head and body erect. But these muscles eventually strain, further damaging the body's health.
Recognizing this, varying methods and apparatus have been used in an attempt to manipulate the spine. U.S. Patent No. 2,461,102 to Ackerman, for example, discloses a posture correcting apparatus employing spaced-apart rollers for rolling longitudinally along both sides of the spine. One set of rollers is mounted within a table on which the body lies, with the second set moving longitudinally along the table on top of the body.
Stretching the spine is another method employed to manipulate it. U.S. Patent No. 2,660,999 to Thornton discloses a spinal alignment device comprising a table and a pair of opposed harnesses. One harness at the top of the table mounts to the head, and the second harness at the foot of the table mounts to the hips. The harnesses then pull in opposite directions away from each other to strengthen the spine.
A third method applies force directly to the spinal curvatures. U.S. Patent No. 3,640,272 to Hussey illustrates this approach. A therapy table includes a cervical support shape to rest within the cervical concavity of the spine, with the body resting supinely upon the table. The body is then placed under longitudinal traction at the head and feet to align the spine.
The use of spinal supports is also employed in U.S. Patent No. 3,550,587 to Kawada. Kawada discloses a device shaped to fit within the lumbar concavity in conjunction with a support fitting within the cervical curve of the spine. Pressure is applied to the spine solely by the weight of the body. The device then
vibrates to massage the lower back.
Although these methods and associate apparatus may alleviate spinal discomfort, none has proven very effective in restoring lost spinal curvature. They and other devices in the prior art rely solely on the weight of the body as a active force. Without the exertion of muscular action to assist in holding the spine correctly, the body does not develop a "memory" of the correct spinal curvature and soon reverts to its former poor condition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object, therefore, of the present invention to provide an improved method for restoring the correct curvature to the spine. It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for carrying out that method.
It is still another object of the invention to apply opposing forces anteriorly and posteriorly to the spine to correct the spinal curvature. It is yet another object of the invention to exercise the muscles of the patient to aid in restoring correct spinal curvature.
To achieve these objects, an apparatus is disclosed for restoring correct curvature to the human spine. The apparatus comprises a planar surface for supporting a person's body in a supine position and a spinal support means having a shape corresponding substantially to a posterior concavity of the person's spine. The spinal support means is adapted to press against the concavity of the spine for aligning the curvature thereof. The apparatus also includes force applicator means spaced apart from the planar surface for applying a force anteriorly and normally to the spine through the supine body. The force applicator means and spinal support means thus apply simultaneous opposing forces to the spine, the forces being aligned with the spine but longitudinally offset relative to
each other.
In one aspect of the invention, the spinal support means comprises a lumbar support of a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the lumbar region. The force on the spine resulting from the lumbar support is opposed by the force applicator means which is adapted to apply a force anteriorly to the immediately adjacent thoracic region of the spine. in another aspect of the invention, the spinal support means comprises a cervical support of a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the cervical region. This cervical support applies a force posteriorly to the spine, which is opposed by the force applicator applying a force anteriorly to the immediate adjacent atlas region of the spine.
The force applicator means in this embodiment is a conventional linear actuator. The actuator provides a force that the body resists through muscular action as the actuator extends and withdraws.
The embodiment disclosed includes both a cervical and lumbar support mounted in combination on a table. The force applicator is spaced above the table and is longitudinally movable relative to the table and the patient's body thereon to position the applicator substantially opposite either the cervical or lumbar support. The applicator thus can selectively apply a longitudinally offset force anteriorly to the thoracic or atlas regions of the spine. The apparatus herein illustrates a unique method for restoring correct curvature to the spine. A first force is applied uniformly to a posterior cavity of the spine. A second force is then applied simultaneously and anteriorly to the spine, the second force being aligned with the first force but .
-longitudinally offset therefrom. The patient then resists the second force through muscular action as the
second force is applied and withdrawn. In particular, the first force may be applied to the upper lumbar region simultaneously with the second force applied through the body to the adjacent thoracic region. To induce curvature in the lower lumbar region, the second force may be moved and applied through the body to the sacrum region of the spine, with the first force still in place. For inducing curvature in the cervical region, the first force may be applied to the cervical region with the second force applied through the body to the adjacent atlas region.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spinal curvature apparatus according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of
Fig. 1 shown with a person resting thereon.
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating a method for restoring curvature to the cervical region of the spine. FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating additional steps in the method of Fig. 3.
FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing illustrating a method for. restoring curvature to the lumbar region of the spine. FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating additional steps in the method of Fig. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION An apparatus 10 according to the invention is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It generally comprises a planar surface 12 with spinal support means such as a cervical support 14 and a lumbar support 16 mounted thereon. Each support 14, 16 has a shape corresponding
substantially to its named posterior spinal concavity and is adapted to press against the concavity for aligning its curvature. An opposing force is applied anteriorly to a spine 17 through a force applicator 18 spaced apart from the planar surface 12. The simultaneous, opposing forces of supports 14, 16 and force applicator 18 are aligned with spine 17 but longitudinally offset relative to each other.
Considering apparatus 10 in more detail, planar surface 12 comprises the top of a supporting table 20.. Surface 12 is sized and shaped to support a body supinely thereon and includes a retaining belt 21 for holding the body on table 20. A rectangular frame for supporting surface 12 is comprised of longitudinal beams 22, 23 and transverse beams 24, 25. Longitudinal beams 22, 23 are longer than surface 12 so that a rectangular aperture 26 exists between an inner transverse edge 28 of surface 12 and transverse beam 25. To support table 20, a set of table legs 30 are mounted each within a corner intersection of the beams. Each leg 30 rests on a leveler 34 that can be individually adjusted to level planar surface 12.
Attached to each longitudinal beam 22, 23 is a horizontal guide rod 36 that runs parallel to the beam and is mounted thereto by brackets 38. Horizontal rods 36 support force applicator 18, allowing it to move longitudinally relative to surface 12 and a body thereon. By such movement, force applicator 18 can be positioned to apply a force to the spine through the body opposite either of supports 14, 16. The capability of movement also allows the applicator 18 to be pushed by muscular action of the body as will be described.
Cervical support 14 and lumbar support 16 are removably attached to planar surface 12. Referring to Fig. 2, each support is positioned on surface 12 so that it presses against the associated spinal concavity of a person lying supinely on the planar surface. Support 14
is positioned adjacent to transverse edge 28 to enable the person's skull 39 to tilt backward over edge 28 as force is applied to spine 17 by force applicator 18. The shape of cervical support 14 is generally semicylindrical to correspond to the cervical concavity of spine 17 and includes a groove 29 to receive spine 17. Similarly, the shape of lumbar support 16 is semicylindrical to correspond to the lumbar concavity and includes a corresponding groove 31. Supports 14, 16 are preferably made of a resilient material, such as dense foam rubber, to provide a static pressing force and yet are comfortable to lie upon.
The force on the spine opposing supports 14, 16 is provided by force applicator 18 through a linear actuator 40, such as the type manufactured by Warner Electric Company of South Beloit, Illinois. Referring to Fig. 1, actuator 40 includes a body portion 41 from which a piston 42 extends or withdraws under the control of the patient through a control switch 43. Actuator 40 is mounted vertically above table.20 on a movable frame comprising vertical support rods 44, 46 that straddle surface 12 and crossbars 48, 50 connected to support rods 44, 46. Its body 41 is bolted to upper stationary crossbar 48 within a cover 54 and is retained therein by a cotter pin 56 atop the cover. Piston 42 extends through crossbar 48 and connects at its outer end 58 to lower movable crossbar 50. Vertical blocks 60, 64 at each end of movable crossbar 50 allow it to slide along rods 44, 46 in response to extending or retracting piston 42. On the underside of bar 50 opposite piston 42, a pressure member 66 is pivotally mounted to apply the force anteriorly and normally against the spine through the body. In Fig. 1, member 66 includes a pad 65 for applying force to the skull anteriorly and therethrough to the atlas region of the spine. The same pad 65 or a wider pad 67 can apply force anteriorly to the thoracic region of the spine through the breastbone
and to the sacrum region, as shown in Fig. 2.
Force applicator 18 is movably mounted to table 20 so that its force may be applied opposite but offset from either supports 14, 16. As shown in Fig. 1, vertical rods 44, 46 are each attached to a bearing block 68 that rides along horizontal guide rod 36. Force applicator 18 may then be moved longitudinally to position it over the adjacent atlas region of spine 17 when applying force to oppose support 14. Force applicator 18 can also be moved longitudinally of the table to apply force to an adjacent thoracic region of the lumbar vertebrae to oppose support 16 or to the sacrum region. This freedom of movement is indicated by arrow 69, shown parallel to rod 36. The method of the invention is illustrated in
Figs. 3 through 6. In Fig. 3, a body rests supinely on a surface 12 with support 14 placed in the cervical concavity underneath cervical vertebrae 70. Support 14 applies a force uniformly to vertebrae 70 to induce correct spinal curvature. A second, opposing force is simultaneously applied by force applicator 18 to the skull 39 through pad 65 which pivots to maintain uniform contact with the skull. The force tilts atlas vertebrae 76 downward over transverse edge 28. This second force is resisted by the patient by raising his skull through muscular action. The skull movement pushes applicator 18 away as the applicator withdraws vertically and slides along guide rods 36 horizontally in response to sufficient pressure. As the applicator 18 is moved, pad 65 continues to pivot to maintain contact with the skull 39.
The method as applied to the upper lumbar concavity is demonstrated in Figs. 5 and 6. In Fig. 5, support 16 is placed within the lumbar concavity beneath lumbar vertebrae 78. Support 16 applies a force uniformly to lumbar vertebrae 78 to induce correct spinal curvature as a second, opposing force is applied
by means such as force applicator 18 through pad 67. The second force is applied through the breastbone to press downward against the immediate adjacent thoracic vertebrae 80. The patient resists the second force by raising his chest through muscular action. As with the skull, the chest movement pushes applicator 18 vertically and horizontally away as the force of the applicator is withdrawn.
For inducing curvature in the lower lumbar region, the force applicator is initially centered over the sacrum region as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 2, with the lumbar support 16 still in place. The patient resists the second force by raising his hips through muscular action. The hip movement drives the applicator forward toward the head and vertically away from the body as the force is withdrawn in response to sufficient pressure. As in the other instances, the pad 67 pivots to maintain uniform contact with the- body during movement. The method disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiment shown. It may be applied in a horizontal position as described, and it may also be applied with the body at any angle. Furthermore, it is recognized that the method may be improved by applying the second force in a manner such that it remains substantially normal to skull 39 as the skull pivots forward in Fig. 4 and to the breastbone as the body pivots forward in Fig. 6.
Having illustrated and described the principles of the invention in a preferred embodiment, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. I claim all modifications coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
I CLAIM:
1. An apparatus for restoring curvature to a human spine, comprising: a planar surface for supporting the body in a supine position; spinal support means of a shape corresponding substantially to a posterior concavity of the spine, the spinal support means being mounted on the planar surface and adapted to press against the concavity for aligning the curvature thereof; and force applicator means spaced apart from the planar surface for applying a force anteriorly to the spine through the body substantially opposite the concavity, the force means extending against the body and withdrawing therefrom as the force is resisted by muscular action of the body to induce curvature in the concavity.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the force applicator means is mounted to the planar surface for longitudinal movement along the body in response to the muscular action of the body.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the force applicator means includes a pad pivotally mounted thereto to maintain uniform contact with the body as the force applied by the applicator means is extended against the body and withdrawn therefrom.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the force applicator means includes means for controlling its operation by a patient on the planar surface. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the planar surface includes a transverse edge over which a patient's skull can be placed and a cervical support mounted adjacent the transverse edge to enable the force applicator means to apply force against the skull to move the atlas region of the spine.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the spinal support means comprises a lumbar support of a
shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the lumbar region of the spine and the force applicator means is adapted to apply force anteriorly to an adjacent thoracic region of the spine. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the spinal support means comprises a cervical support of a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the cervical region of the spine and the force applicator means is adapted to apply force anteriorly to an adjacent atlas region of the spine.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the force applicator means comprises an actuator having a piston that extends against the body and withdraws from the body, the actuator providing the force against which the body is pressed.
9. An apparatus for restoring curvature to a human spine, comprising: a table having transverse and longitudinal edges for supporting a body supinely thereon; a lumbar support having a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the lumbar region of the spine; a cervical support having a shape corresponding substantially to the posterior concavity of the cervical region of the spine; and a force actuator having a piston therein, the actuator ovably mounted to the table and spaced above one of the concavities for extending the piston against the supine body and withdrawing the piston from the body, the force actuator means being mounted to the table for longitudinal movement in response to muscular action of the body to induce curvature in a spinal concavity.
10. A method for restoring curvature to a human spine, comprising: applying a first force uniformly to a posterior concavity of the spine; and
extending a second, opposing force simultaneously and anteriorly to the spine, the second force being aligned with the first force but longitudinally offset therefrom; withdrawing the second force; and resisting the second force through muscular action as the second force is extended and withdrawn, the muscular action inducing curvature in the spinal concavity. 11. The method of claim 9 in which the first force is applied to the cervical region of the spine and the second force is applied to an adjacent atlas region of the spine.
12. The method of claim 9 in which the first force is applied to the lumbar region of the spine and the second force is applied to an adjacent thoracic region of the spine.
13. The method of claim 9 in which the first force is applied to the lumbar region of the spine and the second force is applied to the sacrum region of the spine.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75826485A | 1985-07-24 | 1985-07-24 | |
US758264 | 1985-07-24 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0231282A1 EP0231282A1 (en) | 1987-08-12 |
EP0231282A4 true EP0231282A4 (en) | 1988-08-17 |
Family
ID=25051132
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19860904708 Withdrawn EP0231282A4 (en) | 1985-07-24 | 1986-07-22 | Apparatus for restoring curvature to the spine. |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0231282A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS63500433A (en) |
AU (1) | AU595217B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1987000424A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111297609A (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2020-06-19 | 皖南医学院第一附属医院(皖南医学院弋矶山医院) | Fester organism nursing appearance |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1990004378A1 (en) * | 1988-10-19 | 1990-05-03 | Kearsey, Desma, Lorraine | Support apparatus |
WO1992009224A1 (en) * | 1990-11-27 | 1992-06-11 | Carl Mark Wallis | Back treatment apparatus |
US5713841A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1998-02-03 | Graham; Richard A. | Inflatable cervical cervico-thoracic thoraco-lumbar and lumbar exercising device |
US5403269A (en) * | 1993-08-05 | 1995-04-04 | Kennedy; Jay M. | Adjustable cervical traction apparatus |
US5906586A (en) * | 1998-01-22 | 1999-05-25 | Graham; Richard A. | Vectored pneumatic joint separator |
IT1400829B1 (en) * | 2010-06-24 | 2013-07-02 | Amf Tecno Studio Tecnico Associato Di Dott Ing A Marconi E Per Ind M Ferrari | MACHINE FOR REINFORCING THE ENLARGEMENT AND REBALANCING OF THE SPIDER |
US10285891B2 (en) | 2010-12-16 | 2019-05-14 | Richard A. Graham | Pneumatic joint separator for lower body alignment |
US8764693B1 (en) | 2013-11-20 | 2014-07-01 | Richard A. Graham | Systems and methods for decompression and elliptical traction of the cervical and thoracic spine |
US8734372B1 (en) | 2013-11-20 | 2014-05-27 | Richard A. Graham | Systems and methods for decompression and elliptical traction of the cervical and thoracic spine |
US10335338B2 (en) | 2015-01-02 | 2019-07-02 | Nichols Therapy Systems Llc | Apparatus for applying multi-dimensional traction to the spinal column |
US20190201276A1 (en) | 2017-12-28 | 2019-07-04 | Richard A. Graham | Systems and methods for decompression, elliptical traction, and linear traction of the occiput, cervical spine, and thoracic spine |
US10406397B1 (en) | 2018-06-18 | 2019-09-10 | Richard A. Graham | Joint separator for body alignment |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US978760A (en) * | 1910-12-13 | Solon M Langworthy | Surgical table. | |
US1642158A (en) * | 1926-08-16 | 1927-09-13 | Kubista Joseph | Spinal-adjustment device |
US1759514A (en) * | 1927-12-14 | 1930-05-20 | Eli E Loose | Adjuster for osteopathic use |
US2159654A (en) * | 1936-10-06 | 1939-05-23 | De Forest B Catlin | Osteopathic apparatus for treatment of the back |
US2180775A (en) * | 1938-03-07 | 1939-11-21 | Evan W Stevens | Spinal adjuster |
FR1598818A (en) * | 1968-03-25 | 1970-07-06 | Nawada Sohji | Vibrating spine corrector |
US3904195A (en) * | 1973-09-07 | 1975-09-09 | Rene Chavanne | Body exercising and re-education apparatus |
US4243025A (en) * | 1978-04-26 | 1981-01-06 | Life Chiropractic College, Inc. | Cervical adjusting unit |
US4474370A (en) * | 1982-11-12 | 1984-10-02 | Oman Kim W | Therapeutic weightlifter's bench |
-
1986
- 1986-07-18 AU AU60354/86A patent/AU595217B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1986-07-22 WO PCT/US1986/001520 patent/WO1987000424A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1986-07-22 JP JP50412286A patent/JPS63500433A/en active Pending
- 1986-07-22 EP EP19860904708 patent/EP0231282A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Non-Patent Citations (2)
Title |
---|
No relevant documents have been disclosed. * |
See also references of WO8700424A1 * |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111297609A (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2020-06-19 | 皖南医学院第一附属医院(皖南医学院弋矶山医院) | Fester organism nursing appearance |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU595217B2 (en) | 1990-03-29 |
JPS63500433A (en) | 1988-02-18 |
AU6035486A (en) | 1987-01-29 |
EP0231282A1 (en) | 1987-08-12 |
WO1987000424A1 (en) | 1987-01-29 |
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