JP2015231511A - Electrotherapy apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrotherapy apparatus which can provide an optimal electric stimulation for mitigating tinnitus, migraine, and the like.SOLUTION: An electrotherapy apparatus 1 includes: a pair of electrode pads 3a,3b which are mounted to a human body so as to provide the human body with an electric stimulation by an electric signal having a predetermined frequency; and a controller 2 for providing the electric signal to the electrode pads 3a,3b. Each of the electric pads 3a,3b includes: a pad part 11 made of a flexible member; and point electrodes 12. The point electrodes 12 include: a hemispherical insulating base 13; and an electrode part 14 positioned having a tip portion being protruded from the insulating base 13. The point electrodes 12 are positioned in a circle manner on one side of the electrode pads 3a,3b. The controller 2 provides the point electrodes 12 with an electric signal of a plurality of types of frequency. The point electrodes 12 to which the electric signal of the same frequency is provided are positioned so as to face each other with respect to the electrode pad center.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrotherapy device that applies electrical stimulation to a human body percutaneously, and in particular, by applying electrical stimulation of a plurality of frequencies to the head, tinnitus, migraine, insomnia, high blood pressure, etc. The present invention relates to an electrotherapy device that alleviates various symptoms.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrotherapy device is known that applies electrical stimulation to a pain generation site in a local human body to eliminate or reduce pain caused by chronic soft tissue damage of the human body or fatigue inflammation of a motor organ (patent) Reference 1). In such an electrotherapy device, electrical stimulation is applied percutaneously to the human body via an electrode pad or the like. In the body that has received electrical stimulation, an electrical anesthesia effect is generated by electrical tension, and the stiffness and pain of the affected area are alleviated by this electrical anesthesia effect. In recent years, it has also collaborated with Brain-Machine Interface (BMI), which analyzes brain waves and outputs electrical signals to and from machines. It is attracting attention as a treatment method with little.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-47284 JP 2001-95930 JP 2011-15723 A JP 2008-125637

  However, the conventional electrotherapeutic device has a sufficient therapeutic effect due to factors such as the fact that electrical stimulation (frequency, voltage, etc.) according to symptoms is not properly applied, and the shape and arrangement of electrodes are not appropriate. There was a problem that sometimes could not be obtained.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electrotherapeutic device capable of applying electrical stimulation optimal for alleviating symptoms such as tinnitus, migraine, and high blood pressure.

  The electrotherapy device of the present invention is an electrotherapy device that applies electrical stimulation to an electric body by an electric signal having a predetermined frequency, and supplies the electric signal to the electrode pad attached to the human body and the electrode pad. A controller, wherein the electrode pad has a pad portion made of a flexible member, and a point electrode attached to one surface side of the pad portion, and the point electrode is a hemispherical formed of an insulating material And an electrode part housed in the base material and having a tip portion protruding from the base material, the electrode part being electrically connected to the controller, and It is arranged so as to come into contact with a human body, and the electric signal is transcutaneously supplied to the human body through the electrode part.

  In the electrotherapy device, the electrode pad is provided with a plurality of the point electrodes, the point electrodes are arranged circumferentially on one surface side of the electrode pad, and the controller provides a plurality of types of the point electrodes. The point electrode to which the electric signal having the same frequency is supplied and the electric signal having the same frequency may be arranged at a position facing the center of the electrode pad.

  Further, a pair of the electrode pads are respectively attached to auditory central regions on the left and right ears of the human body, and the controller supplies the electrical signals of three types of frequencies to the point electrodes. Also good. At this time, the electric signal of 2.5 Hz, 50 Hz, and 100 Hz may be supplied from the controller to the point electrode for 40 minutes to alleviate the tinnitus of the human body.

  Further, a pair of the electrode pads are respectively attached to the pineal body parts behind the left and right ears in the human body, and the electrical signals having two kinds of frequencies are supplied from the controller to the point electrodes. May be. At this time, the controller may supply the electrical signal of 2 Hz to 13 Hz (for example, 5 Hz, 10 Hz) to the point electrode for 30 to 40 minutes to promote sleep of the human body.

  In addition, two pairs of the electrode pads are respectively attached to the left and right temporal regions and the rear side of the ear in the human body, and the electrical signals having the same frequency are supplied from the controller to the point electrodes. Also good. In this case, the electrical signal of 5 Hz may be supplied from the controller to the point electrode for 30 minutes to alleviate migraine in the human body.

  The point electrode may be provided with a plurality of the electrode portions arranged in an electrically insulated state from each other, and the controller may supply the electric signals having different frequencies to the electrode portion. . At this time, the controller may supply the electrical signals of 2.5 Hz, 5 Hz, and 8 Hz to the point electrodes to alleviate pain due to low back pain or cervical spondylosis in the human body.

  Further, a plurality of the point electrodes are provided on the electrode pad, the point electrodes are arranged in a line on one surface side of the electrode pad, and a pair of the electrodes constituting a positive electrode and a negative electrode by the controller, respectively. The electrical signal having a predetermined frequency may be supplied to the pad.

  According to the electrotherapy device of the present invention, an electrode pad to be worn on the human body and a controller for supplying an electric signal to the electrode pad are provided, and the electrode pad includes a pad portion made of a flexible member, and one surface of the pad portion. A point electrode that is attached to the side, and the point electrode includes a hemispherical base material formed of an insulating material, and an electrode portion that is housed in the base material and has its tip protruding from the base material. The electrode part is electrically connected to the controller and arranged so as to come into contact with the human body, and an electric signal is transcutaneously supplied to the human body through the electrode part. Electrical stimulation according to symptoms such as sleeplessness, migraine, and high blood pressure can be appropriately applied. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform an effective treatment for a patient having various symptoms such as tinnitus as compared with a conventional treatment device.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the electrotherapy device (tinnitus treatment device) which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the electrode pad used with the electrotherapy apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the electrode pad of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a side view of the electrode pad of FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the point electrode attached to the electrode pad of FIG. It is a clinical trial result (Table 1) of tinnitus treatment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the electrotherapy device (hypnotic device) which is Embodiment 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrode arrangement | positioning of the electrode pad used with the electrotherapy apparatus of FIG. It is a clinical trial result (Table 2) of hypnosis treatment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the electrotherapy device (migraine treatment device) which is Embodiment 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st electrode pad used with the electrotherapy apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd electrode pad used with the electrotherapy apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of migraine treatment. It is a clinical trial result (Table 3) of migraine treatment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st electrode pad used with the electrotherapy device (back pain / cervical spondylosis treatment device) which is Embodiment 4. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd electrode pad used with the electrotherapy apparatus which is Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a clinical trial result of low back pain and cervical spondylosis (Table 4). It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the controller used with the electric treatment device (intercostal neuralgia treatment device) which is Embodiment 5 (Embodiment 1-4, toothache, restless legs syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, etc.) (Embodiments 6 to 10 can also be used). It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of intercostal neuralgia treatment. It is a clinical trial result of treatment of intercostal neuralgia (Table 5). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the pulse wave used for the electrotherapy apparatus by this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the electrotherapy device (toothache treatment device) which is Embodiment 6. FIG. It is a clinical trial result of toothache treatment (Table 6). It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the electrode belt used with the electrotherapy device (restless legs treatment device) which is Embodiment 7. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode belt in the case of restless legs treatment. It is a clinical trial result of restless legs treatment (Table 7). FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an attachment used in an electric therapy device (temporomandibular disorder therapy device) according to an eighth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of temporomandibular disorder treatment. It is a clinical trial result of a temporomandibular disorder treatment (Table 8). It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the electrode pad used with the electrotherapy apparatus (knee osteoarthritis) which is Embodiment 9 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of a knee osteoarthritis treatment. It is a clinical trial result of knee osteoarthritis (Table 9). It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of the treatment of shoulder plate damage. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the electrode pad used with the electrotherapy device (osteoarthritis of the hips) which is Embodiment 10 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of the osteoarthritis treatment. It is a clinical trial result of hip osteoarthritis (Table 10). It is explanatory drawing which shows the mounting state of the electrode pad in the case of the treatment of the fatigue of an anterior thigh muscle. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the electrode pad used for a hypertension treatment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the point electrode used with the electrotherapy device by this invention.

(Embodiment 1) Tinnitus treatment device Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an electrotherapy device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The electrotherapy device 1 has a configuration suitable for the treatment of tinnitus, and includes a controller 2 for energization and a pair of electrode pads 3a and 3b attached to a human body. The cord 2 is connected between the controller 2 and the electrode pads 3a and 3b.

  The controller 2 can supply DC currents or pulse currents having a plurality of frequencies. Here, the controller 2 can supply three types of low-frequency currents of 2.5 Hz, 50 Hz, and 100 Hz. The controller 2 is provided with an ON / OFF switch 6 and a volume 7 for adjusting a current supply amount for each of the frequency blocks 5a to 5c. Each frequency block 5 a to 5 c is provided with a plurality of power supply terminals 8, and a volume 7 is provided for each terminal 8.

  2 is an explanatory view showing the overall configuration of the electrode pads 3a and 3b, FIG. 3 is a front view of the electrode pads 3a and 3b, and FIG. 4 is a side view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electrode pad 3 includes a circular pad portion 11 formed of a soft synthetic resin (for example, a flexible member such as urethane), and a plurality of electrode pads 3 attached to one surface 11 a of the pad portion 11. The point electrode 12 is comprised. The pad portion 11 has an outer diameter of 38 mm and a thickness of 5 mm. On the one surface side 11 a of the pad portion 11, twelve point electrodes 12 are attached on a circumference having a diameter of 30 mm at equal intervals. The point electrode 12 can be removed and replaced as appropriate.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the point electrode 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the point electrode 12 has a bowl shape (hemispherical shape) having a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 2 mm on the bottom surface, and in the insulating base material 13 formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin, It is the structure which has arrange | positioned the electrode part 14 made from stainless steel. The electrode portion 14 has a tip side diameter of 0.08 mm and a bottom side diameter of 1 mm. The tip portion 14 a of the electrode portion 14 is in contact with human skin, and one end side of the cord 4 is connected to the end portion 14 b on the bottom surface side of the electrode portion 14. A connection plug 15 is attached to the other end of the cord 4. By connecting the connection plug 15 to the terminal 8 of the controller 2, a current having a predetermined frequency is supplied from the controller 2 to the point electrode 12. For example, a trapezoidal pulse wave as shown in FIG. 21 is used as the current supplied to the point electrode 12. This pulse wave has an OFF time as short as 50 to 70 μs, and the OFF time is about 1/10 to 1/7 of the ON time. The ON / OFF time ratio varies depending on the frequency, but the OFF time is as short as possible and is set to the above range.

  In the electrotherapy device 1 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode pads 3a and 3b are mounted on both sides of a human head. The electrode pads 3a and 3b are disposed on the left and right ears and at the auditory center on the upper surface of the temporal region. The electrode pads 3a and 3b are attached to both ends of the elastic headband 16, and are attached to the head like a headphone. In the electrode pads 3a and 3b, the point electrode 12 to which an electric signal having the same frequency is supplied is disposed at a position facing the center O of the electrode pads 3a and 3b. That is, in the form shown in FIG. 2, weak currents of 2.5 Hz and 50 Hz and 100 Hz are supplied from the upper and lower point electrodes 12 and from the left and right point electrodes 12, respectively. Between the electrode pads 3a and 3b, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the opposing point electrodes 12 are conducted so as to cross vertically, and a weak current flows in the body. Note that either electrode pad 3a, 3b may be attached to either the left or right.

In the inventor's clinical trial, tinnitus symptom was improved by energizing for 40 minutes in such a state. FIG. 6 shows the clinical trial results (Table 1).
[Clinical trial 1]
A tinnitus trial was conducted using the electrotherapy device of FIG. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: male 75 years old ・ Symptoms: Peep and vowel noises are ringing in the ear ・ Electrified part to turn off tinnitus:
The electrode pad shown in Fig. 2 was attached to the auditory center of the upper ear of the ear from the left and right, and the current was applied from the left and right.
・ Energization time: 40 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave (see FIG. 21, over 0V to 70V or less (usually about 35V: appropriately adjusted according to symptoms and personal feeling), and so on)
・ Devices used: electrotherapy device (power supply 100V, power consumption 18VA, pulse wave, rated output voltage 90V, maximum output current 13.5mA, and so on), electrode pad

(Embodiment 2) Hypnotic device Next, as Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a case where the electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a hypnotic device (sleep introduction device) that promotes sleep will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the electrotherapy device 21 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrode arrangement of the electrode pads 22a and 22b used therein. In the following embodiment, the same members and parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the controller 23 of the electrotherapy device 21 can supply two types of low frequency currents of 5 Hz and 10 Hz. Further, eight point electrodes 12 are provided on the electrode pads 22a and 22b. Here, a point electrode 12 having a bottom diameter of 10 mm and a height of 3 mm is used. A weak current of 5 Hz is supplied from the upper and lower point electrodes 12 of the electrode pads 22a and 22b, and a weak current of 10 Hz is supplied from the left and right point electrodes 12, respectively. The electrode pads 22a and 22b are attached to both ends of the headband 16, and are attached to the head like a headphone. In the hypnotic electrotherapy device 21, the electrode pads 22 a and 22 b are arranged on the rear side of the left and right ears, the pineal gland, and the hypothalamus.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, between the electrode pads 22a and 22b, the opposing point electrodes 12 are conducted so as to cross vertically, and a weak current flows in the body. In this case, the electrode pads 22a and 22b may be attached to either the left or right side. Further, the number of point electrodes may be increased to supply a weak current of 2 Hz to 2.5 Hz.

In the inventor's clinical trial, by conducting energization for 30 to 40 minutes in such a state, the clinical trial person suffering from insomnia became a sleep state in about 20 minutes. FIG. 9 shows the clinical trial results (Table 2).
[Clinical trial 2]
A hypnotic trial was conducted using the electrotherapy device of FIG. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: Female 69 years old ・ Symptoms: Even if you try to sleep at night, you cannot sleep ・ Electrical site for hypnosis:
The electrode pads shown in Fig. 8 were attached to the back of the left and right ears, and the current was applied from the left and right, toward the pineal gland of the brain and the back of the hypothalamus.
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

(Third Embodiment) Migraine Treatment Device Further, as a third embodiment of the present invention, a case where the electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a migraine treatment device will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the electrotherapy device 31 according to the third embodiment. In the electrotherapy device 31, two types of electrode pads 32 and 33 are used. Each electrode pad 32, 33 is provided in pairs (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b), and these are respectively attached to the tip of the headband 16. The electrode pads 32 and 33 are connected to the controller 34 via the cord 4. The controller 34 is provided with an ON / OFF switch 35 and left and right volumes 36a, 36b. The controller 34 is supplied with power via an AC power cord 37, but may be battery powered or rechargeable.

  11A and 11B are explanatory views showing the configuration of the electrode pad 32, and FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the electrode pad 33. FIG. 11A shows the front side, and FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the electrode pads 32 and 33 are also composed of a circular pad portion 11 and a point electrode 12. However, the electrode pads 32 and 33 used in the electrotherapy device 31 are different from the previous embodiment in that one point electrode 12 is provided for each pad. The electrode pads 32 and 33 have different diameters, the electrode pad 32 is 14 mm, and the electrode pad 33 is 10 mm (thickness is 5 mm in common). A portion where the cord 4 is drawn out from the electrode pads 32 and 33 is a grommet portion 38, which can be bent in the front-rear and left-right directions, and can be elastically deformed in the torsional direction. Also in the electrode pads 32 and 33, the point electrode 12 can be appropriately removed and replaced.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the electrotherapy device 31 has electrode pads 32a and 32b and electrode pads 33a and 33b attached to both sides of a person's head, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener belt such as Magic Belt (registered trademark). Fix at 39. In this case, the electrode pads 32a and 32b are arranged on the left and right temporal regions, and the electrode pads 33a and 33b are arranged behind the ears. A weak current of 5 Hz is supplied to the electrode pads 32 and 33, respectively. In this case, the electrode pads 32a and 32b in the temporal region are set to the-side, and the electrode pads 33a and 33b after the ears are set to the + side. Between the electrode pads 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, the opposing point electrodes 12 are conducted so as to cross vertically, and a weak current flows in the body. That is, the electrode pad 32a and the electrode pad 33b, and the electrode pad 32b and the electrode pad 33a are conducted through the head. In this case, the electrode pads 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b may be attached to either the left or right side.

In the inventor's clinical trial, migraine was improved by applying current at 5 Hz for 30 minutes in such a state. FIG. 14 shows the clinical trial results (Table 3).
[Clinical trial 3]
A trial of migraine (headache) was conducted using the electrotherapy device of FIG. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender and age: See Table 3. ・ Symptoms: Pain in the temporal region, occipital region, and parietal region ・ Electrical site for pain relief:
The electrode pads were attached to the painful temporal region, the parietal region, the occipital region, the auricular temporal nerve, and the cervical nerve.
-Energizing frequency: 5 Hz (in the case of migraine, one type of constant frequency was energized)
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

(Embodiment 4) Low back pain / cervical spondylosis treatment device In addition, as Embodiment 4 of the present invention, a case where the electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a treatment device for low back pain or cervical spondylosis will be described. In the third embodiment, the electrode pads 32 and 33 each have one electrode portion 14 disposed on each pad and have one energization frequency. However, here, a plurality of electrode portions 14 are provided, Energize currents of various frequencies. In this case, a controller conforming to the controller 2 shown in FIG. 1 is used.

  FIGS. 15 and 16 are explanatory views showing the configuration of the electrode pads 41 and 42 used in the treatment device of the fourth embodiment, wherein (a) shows the front side and (b) shows the side surface side, respectively. . In this case, the electrode pad 41 has a shape corresponding to the electrode pad 32 in FIG. 11, and the electrode pad 42 has a shape corresponding to the electrode pad 33 in FIG. 12, and the electrode pad 41 is on the negative side and the electrode pad 42 is on the positive side. Used for.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the electrode pads 41 and 42 are also composed of a circular pad portion 11 and a point electrode 12, but the point electrode 12 is provided with three electrode portions 43 to 45. ing. The tip portions 43a to 45a of the electrode portions 43 to 45 are in contact with human skin, and one end side of the cord 4 is connected to the bottom end portions 43b to 45b of the electrode portions 43 to 45. Each electrode part 43-45 is in the state electrically insulated so that it may not contact mutually. A portion where the cord 4 is drawn from the electrode pads 41 and 42 is a grommet portion 38, similar to the electrode pads 32 and 33. Also in the electrode pads 41 and 42, the point electrode 12 can be removed and replaced as appropriate.

  In such electrode pads 41, 42, currents having different frequencies are supplied to the electrode portions 43 to 45. For example, a current of 2.5 Hz is supplied to the electrode portion 43, a current of 5 Hz is supplied to the electrode portion 44, and a current of 8 Hz is supplied to the electrode portion 45. When the pain appears in the upper limb or the lower limb due to low back pain or cervical spondylosis, the negative electrode pad 41 is a painful region, and the positive electrode pad 42 is a nerve control region that controls the painful region. Attach to the spinal nerve exit on the spine side. In this case, the mounting method of the electrode pads 41 and 42 may be either the headphone type as in the first and second embodiments or the hook-and-loop fastener fixing type as in the third embodiment. It is possible to use a plurality of sets of electrode pads 32, 33, 41, and 42 including the case of the third embodiment. Thus, three types of frequencies of electrical stimulation are applied from the electrode pads 41 and 42 in which the three electrode portions are integrally disposed, and pain due to low back pain or cervical spondylosis can be reduced. Further, the electrode pads 41 and 42 can be used in the treatment devices of the first and second embodiments.

In the inventor's clinical trial, the improvement of pain due to low back pain and cervical spondylosis was observed by applying electricity for 2.5 minutes, 5 Hz, 8 Hz for 30 minutes using the electrode pads 41 and 42. FIG. 17 shows the clinical trial results (Table 4).
[Clinical trial 4]
A clinical trial of pain due to low back pain and cervical spondylosis was performed using the electrode pads 41 and 42. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: See Table 4. ・ Symptoms: See Table 4. ・ Electrical site for pain relief: See Table 4. ・ Electric frequency: 2.5 Hz, 5 Hz, 8 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

(Embodiment 5) Intercostal neuralgia treatment device As Embodiment 5 of the present invention, a case of using as an intercostal neuralgia treatment device according to the present invention will be described. In the treatment of intercostal neuralgia, as in the third embodiment, electrode pads 32 and 33 each having one electrode portion 14 arranged on each pad are used, and a single + -electrode is attached to an appropriate portion of the affected intercostal region. And treat. In the treatment device 1 for intercostal neuralgia, the controller 51 shown in FIG. 18 is used. In addition, it is also possible to use the above-mentioned controller 2, and it is also possible to apply the controller 51 to Embodiment 1-4.

  The controller 51 is also provided with an ON / OFF switch 35 and left and right volumes 36a and 36b for adjusting the conduction intensity, as in the previous controller 2. An energization lead outlet 52 to which the cords 4 of the electrode pads 32 and 33 are connected is provided at the upper end of the controller 51, and a power inlet 53 to which the AC power cord 37 is connected is provided at the lower end. Above the ON / OFF switch 35 and the volumes 36a and 36b, indicators 54, 55a and 55b indicating the respective operation states are provided. A timer (not shown) (for example, 30 minutes) is built in the controller 51, and the power is automatically turned off in a predetermined time. The energizing lead outlet 52 and the power inlet 53 can be provided on the same surface.

A current of 5 Hz is supplied between the electrode pads 32 and 33. In the case of intercostal neuralgia, as shown in FIG. 19, the + pole is adhered to the spinal cord outlet of the right second thoracic nerve (T2), and the − pole is attached to the painful second and third intercostal areas of the right anterior chest. Glue. In the inventor's clinical trial, the improvement of pain due to intercostal neuralgia was observed by energization at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. FIG. 20 shows the clinical trial results (Table 5). In the fifth embodiment, a pulse wave as shown in FIG. 21 is used as in the previous embodiment.
[Clinical trial 5]
A clinical trial of pain due to intercostal neuralgia was performed using the electrode pads 32 and 33. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: See Table 5 ・ Symptoms: See Table 5 ・ Electrical site for pain relief: See Table 5 and FIG. 19 ・ Energization frequency: 5 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

(Sixth Embodiment) Tooth Pain Treating Device As a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a case where an electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a tooth pain treating device will be described. In the case of toothache, the treatment device 1 of Embodiment 5 can be applied as it is, and the + pole is adhered on the trigeminal nerve of the recessed part of the left auricle, and the-pole on the skin of the painful premolar root part Are bonded (FIG. 22). In the inventor's clinical trial, improvement in toothache was observed by conducting energization at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. FIG. 23 shows the clinical trial results (Table 6). The toothache treatment device is also effective for treating trigeminal neuralgia and can be used as a trigeminal neuralgia treatment device.
[Clinical trial 6]
A toothache trial was conducted using the electrode pads 32 and 33. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: See Table 6 ・ Symptoms: See Table 6 ・ Electrical site for pain relief: See Table 6 and FIG. 22 ・ Energization frequency: 5 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

(Embodiment 7) Restless Legs Treatment Device As a seventh embodiment of the present invention, a case where an electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a treatment device for restless legs (Mumz leg syndrome) will be described. In the treatment of restless legs, a belt-like electrode belt 61 as shown in FIG. 24 is used. The electrode belt 61 has a configuration in which a plurality of (here, five) point electrodes 12 (see FIG. 5) are attached to an elastic belt 62 (pad portion) formed of a flexible member. The point electrodes 12 are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction at a pitch of 14 mm. The point electrodes 12 may be arranged in a plurality of rows above and below, and in this case, the point electrodes 12 may be arranged alternately (obliquely) by shifting the upper and lower rows.

As shown in FIG. 25, the electrode belt 61 is mounted on the upper and lower sides of a foot having a mumminess. For example, the + side of the electrode belt 61 is bonded horizontally to the lower rear surface of the knee joint, and the negative pole of the electrode belt 61 is bonded horizontally to the Achilles tendon. At this time, make sure to attach the + pole to the top and the-pole to the bottom. In the inventor's clinical trial, an improvement in the feeling of musums was observed by energizing for 30 minutes at 5 Hz. FIG. 26 shows the clinical trial results (Table 7).
[Clinical trial 7]
The restless legs were tested using the electrode belt 61. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender and age: see Table 7 ・ Symptoms: see Table 7 ・ Electrical sites to relieve symptoms: see Table 7 and FIG. 25 ・ Energization frequency: 5 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode belt

(Eighth Embodiment) Temporomandibular Disorder Treatment Device As an eighth embodiment of the present invention, a case where an electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a treatment device for temporomandibular disorders will be described. In the treatment of temporomandibular disorders, a temporomandibular disorder attachment 65 as shown in FIGS. 27 (a) and (b) is used. The attachment 65 is a headphone type, and electrode pads 66 are attached to both ends. The electrode pad 66 has a configuration in which the upper and lower rows of point electrodes 12 are attached in the pad portion 11. For example, three point electrodes 12 are arranged at an upper and lower positions at an 11 mm pitch. A space of 22 mm is provided between the upper and lower point electrodes, and the upper row is a positive pole and the lower row is a negative pole. In addition, as shown in FIG. 27C, left and right electrodes 67 may be further arranged between the upper and lower electrodes, and these may be energized simultaneously. In this case, the left and right electrodes 67 may be energized separately from the point electrode 12, and it is preferable that the upper and lower electrodes and the left and right electrodes are not energized simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 28, the electrode pad 66 is bonded so as to sandwich a painful temporomandibular joint site up and down. At this time, the + electrode of the electrode pad 66 is mounted on the top and the − electrode is mounted on the bottom. In the inventor's clinical trial, the pain in the temporomandibular joint was improved by applying current at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. FIG. 29 shows the clinical trial results (Table 8).
[Clinical trial 8]
A clinical trial for temporomandibular disorders was performed using an attachment 65 having an electrode pad 66. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: See Table 8 ・ Symptoms: See Table 8 ・ Electrical site for pain relief: See Table 8 and FIG. 28 ・ Energization frequency: 5 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

(Embodiment 9) Knee osteoarthritis treatment device As a ninth embodiment of the present invention, a case where an electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a treatment device for knee osteoarthritis will be described. In the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, an electrode pad 71 as shown in FIG. 30 is used. The electrode pad 71 has a configuration in which four point electrodes 12 are arranged in a horizontal row. The point electrode 12 is attached to an electrode base 72 (pad portion) formed of a flexible member such as a rubber plate or synthetic leather. A pulse current is supplied to each point electrode 12 from the controller 51 of FIG. The electrode pad 71 is affixed to the body with an adhesive tape or is fixed using an elastic belt.

As shown in FIG. 31, the electrode pad 71 is disposed so as to surround a tender portion inside the knee joint vertically. At this time, the electrode pad 71 is attached so that the upper side is a + pole and the lower side is a -pole. As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 31, two sets of electrode pads 71 may be used, and two electrode pads 71 may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The controller 51 is provided with two power supply portions (energization lead outlets 52), and two sets of electrode pads 71 can be used. The use of the two sets further increases the therapeutic effect. In the inventor's clinical trial, improvement of pain in osteoarthritis of the knee was observed by energization at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. FIG. 32 shows the clinical trial results (Table 9).
[Clinical trial 9]
A clinical trial of knee osteoarthritis was conducted using the electrode pad 71. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender, age: See Table 9 ・ Symptoms: See Table 9 ・ Electrical site for pain relief: See Table 9 and FIG. 31 ・ Energization frequency: 5 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

  It is also possible to treat “shoulder plate damage” using the electrode pad 71. In the case of treatment of shoulder plate damage, as shown in FIG. 33, four (two sets) of electrode pads 71 are arranged in a square shape so as to surround a tender portion of the humeral bone head in front of the human body. . The electrode pad 71 is attached to the body with an adhesive tape. The electrode pads 71 located on the horizontal side are attached so that the upper side is a + pole and the lower side is a -pole. Any of the left and right electrode pads 71 serving as the vertical sides may be + or-. As a result, in the inventor's clinical trial, the improvement of pain due to shoulder plate damage was observed by energization at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. In addition to this, for "traumatic pain, aftereffects of subcutaneous trauma" and "sensory disturbance of surgical scars", the corresponding part is surrounded by electrode pads 71 (vertically arranged vertically, vertically arranged horizontally) By energizing at 5 Hz for 30 minutes, pain and sensory disturbances in various places are improved.

(Embodiment 10) Osteoarthritis Treatment Device As Embodiment 10 of the present invention, a case where an electrotherapy device according to the present invention is used as a treatment device for osteoarthritis will be described. In the treatment of hip osteoarthritis, an electrode pad 75 as shown in FIG. 34 is used. The electrode pad 75 is obtained by increasing the number of the point electrodes 12 of the electrode pad 71 of FIG. 30 to five, and similarly to the electrode belt 61 described above, the five point electrodes 12 are arranged in a horizontal row. Yes. The point electrode 12 is attached to an electrode base 76 (pad portion) formed of a flexible member such as a rubber plate or synthetic leather. A pulse current is supplied to each point electrode 12 from the controller 51 of FIG. The electrode pad 75 is attached to the body with an adhesive tape or fixed using an elastic belt.

As shown in FIG. 35, four (two sets) of electrode pads 75 are arranged in a square shape so as to surround a tender portion near the greater trochanter outside the crotch portion vertically and horizontally. The electrode pad 75 is attached to the body with an adhesive tape. The electrode pads 75 located on the horizontal side are attached so that the upper side is a + pole and the lower side is a -pole. Any of the left and right electrode pads 75 serving as the vertical sides may be + or-. In the inventor's clinical trial, improvement of pain in osteoarthritis of the hip was observed by energization at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. FIG. 36 shows the clinical trial results (Table 10).
[Clinical trial 10]
A clinical trial of osteoarthritis of the hip was performed using the electrode pad 75. The subjects and methods are as follows.
・ Gender and age: see Table 10 ・ Symptoms: see Table 10 ・ Energized site for pain relief: see Table 10 and FIG. 35 ・ energization frequency: 5 Hz
・ Energization time: 30 minutes ・ Type of current: pulse wave ・ Devices used: electrotherapy device body, electrode pad

  It is also possible to treat “front thigh muscle fatigue” using the electrode pad 75. In the case of treatment of anterior thigh muscle fatigue, as shown in FIG. 37, the electrode pad 75 is arranged in a rectangular shape so as to sandwich the fatigued portion of the anterior thigh muscle vertically. The electrode pad 75 is attached to the body by an adhesive tape or an elastic belt, and is arranged so that the upper side is a + pole and the lower side is a-pole. Thus, in the inventor's clinical trial, improvement in fatigue of the anterior thigh muscle was observed by conducting energization at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. In addition to this, with respect to “rear thigh muscle fatigue”, “front thigh muscle fatigue”, and “rear thigh muscle fatigue”, the electrode pad 75 is attached in the lateral direction so as to sandwich the corresponding portion vertically, 5 Hz The fatigue of each place is improved by energizing for 30 minutes.

  Furthermore, the electrode pads 71 and 75 can be applied to alleviating dysphagia other than the above cases. In that case, 4-5 sets of electrode pads 71 (or 75) are arranged in the vicinity of the hyoid muscle under the jaw and energized at 5 Hz for 30 minutes. In the ninth and tenth embodiments, the electrode pads 71 and 75 can be used interchangeably. However, for each case, the above-described combination is preferable. Also, three point electrodes 12 or six or more point electrodes 12 can be used, and a plurality of three point electrodes 12 can be used.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the electrotherapy device of the present invention is used for the treatment of tinnitus, insomnia, migraine, low back pain, cervical spondylosis, etc., is not limited to the above-described treatment target. It can also be applied to hypertension, stiff shoulders, Parkinson's disease, Meniere's disease, dizziness, depression, obesity control, and other treatments. In addition, the above-described dimensions, frequency values, number of energization frequencies, time, energization site, and the like are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed according to symptoms and individual differences. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a plurality of types of electrotherapy devices in combination.

  For example, in the case of hypertension treatment, the energization target is the medulla oblongata (particularly the parasympathetic nerve), and energization is performed under the left and right ears. At that time, it is also possible to use two sets of electrode pads 3 and use a sleeper that promotes sleep. In this case, the set of electrode pads 3 supplies three types of weak currents of 0.15 to 0.4 Hz (for example, 0.2 Hz, 0.3 Hz, and 0.4 Hz) to the medulla oblongata. The other set of electrode pads 3 supplies three types of weak currents of 2.5 Hz, 5 Hz, and 10 Hz to the pineal gland and the rear part of the hypothalamus. Instead of the two electrode pads, an electrode pad 81 as shown in FIG. 38 in which two sets of electrode pads are combined may be used.

  In the first and second embodiments, the headphone-like configuration in which the electrode pads are arranged at the tip of the headband has been shown. You may make it fix to a hook-and-loop fastener belt. In addition, depending on the symptom, it is also possible to perform treatment by arranging electrode pads only on one side instead of a pair of left and right.

  On the other hand, in the electrotherapy device according to the present invention, it is also effective to use a point electrode 82 as shown in FIG. 39 in place of the point electrode 12 in FIG. The point electrode 82 of FIG. 39 has a configuration in which a stainless electrode 84 is disposed in an insulating base 83 formed of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. In the central portion of the insulating base 83, an electrode mounting hole 85 is formed penetrating in the vertical direction in FIG. An electrode 84 is accommodated in the electrode mounting hole 85. The electrode 84 is an elastic electrode and includes a contact electrode portion 86, a coil portion 87, and a conductive portion 88. The electrode 84 uses a stainless steel wire having a diameter of 0.1 mm, and the contact electrode portion 86 and the coil portion 87 are integrally formed continuously.

  The contact electrode portion 86 is formed in a ring shape having an inner diameter of 0.1 mm, and a small diameter portion of about one turn is raised on the upper end portion 87a of the coil portion 87 as a hook shape of a tension spring. Yes. The coil portion 87 is a coil spring formed with an inner diameter of 0.7 mm, and is accommodated in the electrode mounting hole 85. The coil portion 87 holds the contact electrode portion 86 while energizing the contact electrode portion 86 in the axial direction (extending direction of the electrode 84: vertical direction in FIG. 39). The contact electrode part 86 protrudes from the top part of the insulating base material 83, and preferably about 1/3 of the diameter is hidden in the electrode mounting hole 85 (about 2/3 of the diameter is exposed). Installed. Since the lower part of the contact electrode part 86 is a coil part 87, the contact electrode part 86 is elastically movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 39 so that the contact electrode part 86 appears and disappears appropriately in the electrode attachment hole 85 by contact with the skin. It has become.

  The conductive portion 88 is formed of a stainless steel wire having a diameter of about 1 mm. The lower end portion 87b of the coil portion 87 is electrically connected to the upper end portion 88a of the conductive portion 88 by welding or the like. The lower end side 88 b of the conductive portion 88 protrudes from the bottom surface portion 83 a of the insulating base 83 by about 2 mm. One end side of the cord 4 is connected to the lower end side 88 b and is electrically connected to the controller 51.

  In the point electrode 82, the contact portion with the skin is a ring-shaped contact electrode portion 86, and an edge or a sharp portion such as a cross section of the wire does not contact the skin. That is, the circular wire contacts the skin, and the contact between the skin and the electrode 84 is extremely soft. For this reason, a feeling of use becomes very favorable without giving a pain and irritation to a user at the time of electrode wearing. Further, even if the point electrode 82 is shifted after the point electrode 82 is mounted on the skin, the outer periphery of the contact electrode portion 86 moves so as to slide on the skin, so there is no pain and the skin is not damaged.

  Further, when the point electrode 82 is mounted, the coil portion 87 is bent and the contact electrode portion 86 is brought into contact with the skin while sinking in the electrode mounting hole 85, so that the contact with the skin is also soft in this respect. , The feeling of use improves. That is, in the point electrode 82, since the circular contact electrode portion 86 contacts the skin while the coil portion 87 is bent, the contact is very soft, and the discomfort during use is greatly reduced. In addition, even if dust or the like enters the electrode mounting hole 85, the electrical conductivity is less likely to be impaired, and stable conductive performance can be maintained even when compared with a ball using a ball for alleviating contact pain or the like. As described above, according to the point electrode 82, while ensuring a skin contact area equivalent to that of the point electrode 12 of FIG. Can be prevented.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrotherapy device 2 Controller 3 Electrode pad 3a, 3b Electrode pad 4 Code 5a-5c Frequency block 6 OFF switch 7 Volume 8 Terminal 11 Pad part 11a One side 12 Point electrode 13 Insulating base material 14 Electrode part 14a Tip part 14b End part 15 connection plug 16 headband 21 electrotherapy device 22a, 22b electrode pad 23 controller 31 electrotherapy device 32 electrode pad 32a, 32b electrode pad 33 electrode pad 33a, 33b electrode pad 34 controller 35 OFF switch 36a, 36b volume 37 AC power cord 38 Grommet part 39 Surface fastener belt 41 Electrode pad 42 Electrode pad 43 Electrode part 44 Electrode part 45 Electrode part 51 Controller 52 Current supply outlet 53 Power supply inlet 54 Indicator 61 Electrode belt 6 2 Elastic belt (pad part)
65 Temporomandibular disorder attachment 66 Electrode pad 67 Electrode 71 Electrode pad 72 Electrode base (pad part)
75 Electrode pad 76 Electrode base (pad part)
81 Electrode pad 82 Point electrode 83 Insulating base material 83a Bottom surface portion 84 Electrode 85 Electrode mounting hole 86 Contact electrode portion 87 Coil portion 87a Upper end portion 87b Lower end portion 88 Conductive portion 88a Upper end portion 88b Lower end side O Electrode pad center

Claims (10)

An electrotherapy device that applies electrical stimulation to a human body with an electrical signal of a predetermined frequency,
An electrode pad to be worn on the human body;
A controller for supplying the electrical signal to the electrode pad,
The electrode pad has a pad portion made of a flexible member, and a point electrode attached to one surface side of the pad portion,
The point electrode includes a hemispherical base material formed of an insulating material, and an electrode portion that is accommodated in the base material and has a tip portion that protrudes from the base material,
The electrode unit is electrically connected to the controller and arranged to contact the human body,
An electrotherapy device, wherein the electrical signal is transcutaneously supplied to the human body through the electrode portion. The electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein
The electrode pad has a plurality of the point electrodes, and the point electrodes are arranged circumferentially on one surface side of the electrode pad,
The controller supplies the electrical signal of a plurality of types of frequencies to the point electrode,
The electrotherapy device, wherein the point electrode to which the electric signal having the same frequency is supplied is disposed at a position where the electrode pad is opposed to the center of the electrode pad. The electrotherapy device according to claim 2,
A pair of the electrode pads are respectively attached to auditory central sites on the left and right ears in the human body,
The electrotherapeutic device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signals having three kinds of frequencies to the point electrode. The electrotherapy device according to claim 3, wherein
The electrotherapeutic device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signal of 2.5 Hz, 50 Hz, and 100 Hz to the point electrode for 40 minutes. The electrotherapy device according to claim 2,
A pair of the electrode pads are respectively attached to the pineal body parts behind the left and right ears in the human body,
The electrotherapeutic device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signals having two kinds of frequencies to the point electrode. The electrotherapy device according to claim 5, wherein
The controller supplies the electrical signal of 2 to 13 Hz to the point electrode for 30 to 40 minutes. The electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein
Two pairs of the electrode pads are respectively attached to the left and right temporal regions and the back of the ear in the human body,
The electrotherapy device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signal having the same frequency to the point electrode. The electrotherapy device according to claim 7, wherein
The electrotherapy device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signal of 5 Hz to the point electrode for 30 minutes. The electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein
The point electrode has a plurality of the electrode portions arranged in an electrically insulated state from each other,
The electrotherapy device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signals having different frequencies to the electrode unit. The electrotherapy device according to claim 1, wherein
The electrode pad has a plurality of the point electrodes, and the point electrodes are arranged in a line on one surface side of the electrode pad,
The electrotherapy device, wherein the controller supplies the electric signal having a predetermined frequency to a set of the electrode pads that constitute a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively.

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