WO2016064988A1

WO2016064988A1 - Spinal treatment system

Info

Publication number: WO2016064988A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/056637
Authority: WO
Inventors: Drew Kelley MCPHAIL
Original assignee: Mcphail Enterprises, Llc
Priority date: 2014-10-23
Filing date: 2015-10-21
Publication date: 2016-04-28

Abstract

A spinal treatment apparatus includes a frame to support a subject lying on the apparatus to enable a customized treatment to be applied to a spine of the subject to remedy a condition associated with the spine; and a base on which the frame is pivotably attached in a manner that enables the frame, on which the subject is supported, to rotate from an upright position to an inverted position at an angle that is less than a threshold. The inverted position enables the spine of the subject to be decompressed. The apparatus also includes one or more platforms movably attached to the frame. Each platform, of the one or more platforms, can be moved to a respective, different location relative to the frame to provide treatment and support to different portions of the spine when the frame is in the inverted position.

Description

SPINAL TREATMENT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] Many individuals suffer from spinal-related diseases and conditions caused by, for example, Hypo-lordosis, which is a loss of the normal curvature of the spine. When viewed from the side, a healthy spine should include gentle curves that create a center of gravity and a shared loading of the body throughout the entire spine. These curves create strength and flexibility, as well as absorb stress from body movement. When these curves are lost, however, spinal motion is impaired and the weight of the individual's body may become isolated in different areas of the spine. This may put abnormal stress on the isolated areas causing them to prematurely wear. Consequently, the individual may develop Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, Degenerative Disc Disease, neck and back pain, and/or other ailments. To effectively address these conditions, the treatment solution should address and support the proper curvatures of the spine while rehabilitating the soft tissues.

[0002] Conventional techniques for treating conditions caused by a loss of normal spinal curvature include inversion tables and boots. Traditional inversion tables and boots provide treatment by decompressing the subject's spine by requiring the subject to be inverted or to hang upside-down at high angles for extended periods of time by tight clamps around the subject's ankles. This can be very uncomfortable and even painful. Individuals with heart or vascular problems may be prohibited from using these conventional techniques because of the blood flow to the subject's brain while inverted at a high angle, which may increase the risk of stroke and high blood pressure. Other individuals may be unable to use these conventional techniques due to ankle, knee, hip, and/or other problems.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to one implementation, described herein, a spinal treatment apparatus may include a frame to support a subject to enable treatment to be applied to a spine of the subject to remedy a spinal condition; and a base on which the frame is pivotably attached in a manner that enables the frame, on which the subject is lying, to rotate from an upright position to an inverted position at an angle that is less than a threshold. The inverted position may enable the spine, of the subject, to be decompressed. The apparatus may also include one or more platforms movably attached to the frame. Each platform, of the one or more platforms, may be moved to a respective, different location relative to the frame to provide treatment and support to different portions of the spine when the frame is in the inverted position. [0004] According to another implementation, described herein, a spinal treatment apparatus may include a frame to support a subject, lying on the frame, to enable treatment to be applied to a spine, of the subject, to remedy a condition associated with the spine; a base, pivotably attached to the frame, to support or suspend the frame in a manner that enables the frame, on which the subject is lying, to rotate from an upright position to an inverted position to cause the spine of the subject to be decompressed; and one or more platforms movably attached to the frame. Each platform, of the one or more platforms, may be movable in three dimensions relative to the frame. The apparatus may also include one or more pads associated with the one or more platforms. Each pad, of the one or more pads, may be formed by a pliable material that conforms to one or more portions of the spine to provide proper support or treatment to the one or more portions of the spine when the frame is in the inverted position.

[0005] According to yet another implementation, described herein, a spinal treatment system may include a frame to support a subject, lying on the apparatus, to enable a customized treatment to be applied to a spine, of the subject, to remedy a condition associated with the spine; a base to support or suspend the frame on which the subject is supported; and a pivot mechanism, to which the frame and the base are attached, to enable the frame to rotate, relative to the base, from an upright position to an inverted position. The inverted position may cause the spine, of the subject, to be decompressed. The apparatus may also include a track attached to the frame in a manner that is parallel to a longitudinal axis along a length of the frame; one or more platforms movably attached to the track; and one or more pads associated with the one or more platforms. A pad, of the one or more pads, may be attached to a platform, of the one or more platforms, and may be formed by a pliable material that conforms to a first portion of the spine to provide support to the first portion of the spine when the frame is in the inverted position. The apparatus may further include a roller mechanism movably attached to the track. The roller mechanism may include one or more rollers that are formed by a pliable material and rotate about a hub. The one or more rollers may make contact with a second portion of the spine as the one or more rollers rotate about the hub, and may impart a pulsating force on a second portion of the spine as the one or more rollers rotate about the hub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figs. 1 A - ID are diagrams of an example treatment apparatus that may enable a subject to address the proper curvature of the spine according to an implementation described herein.

[0007] Fig. 2 is a diagram of example platform and pad components of a treatment apparatus. [0008] Figs. 3 A - 3C are diagrams of example pad component that may be attached to a platform associated with a treatment apparatus.

[0009] Figs. 4A - 4C are diagrams of an example spinal roller mechanism that can be adapted to the treatment apparatus of Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 5 is a diagram of an example treatment apparatus that may include adjustable and pivotable seat, leg support, and/or feet support components according to an implementation described herein.

[0011] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an example automated treatment system that may enable a subject to address the proper curvature of the spine according to an implementation described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Figures 1A - 6 are attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. The following detailed description refers to the accompanying Figures 1A - 6. The same reference numbers in different figures may identify the same or similar elements.

[0013] An apparatus, system, method, and/or technology, described herein, may provide a treatment mechanism to help address a subject's health condition, associated with all or any portion of a back and/or neck (hereinafter, "spine") of the subject. For example, the apparatus may help restore the normal curvature of the spine through the use of one or more movable and rotatable support platforms that can be customized to enable precise support of one or more individual vertebrae of the subject and/or proper curvature of the spine, while helping to avoid inverting the subject at a high angle, as described herein. To provide treatment, the one or more movable platforms and/or pads associated therewith may be configured to provide support and/or treatment (e.g., for proper spinal curvature, to provide pain relief, etc.) to different areas of the spine while the subject is inclined or inverted at low angles (e.g., at an angle less than a threshold angle described below) thus precluding or minimizing compression and/or reducing or controlling loads (e.g., forces, torques, stresses, strains, etc.) associated with compression and/or by decompression of the subject's spine and/or elements thereof such as vertebrae, discs, connective tissues, etc. Inclining or inverting the subject at low angles may also reduce discomfort in the subject (i.e., particularly subjects that are aged, handicapped, injured, etc.) and/or reduce the risk of exacerbating existing conditions suffered by the subject (e.g., high blood pressure, hypertension, vertigo, etc.). The movable platform may be customized, configured, and/or adjusted, as described without limitation herein, to be compatible with and/or provide treatment for individual subject's spine. [0014] The apparatus is described herein in the context of treating Hypo-lordosis. However, in other implementations, the apparatus need not be so limited. For example, the apparatus may be implemented to treat other conditions relating to the spine (e.g., neck and/or back injuries, scoliosis, a degenerative disc, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis, cervical or lumbar radiculitis, sciatica, kyphosis, neck pain, back pain, etc.) or another part of the body of the subject.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1A, an example treatment apparatus 100 (hereinafter, "apparatus 100") may include a support frame 101 (hereinafter, "frame 101"), one or more customizable, movable platforms 103 (hereinafter, "platform 103" or "platforms 103")), a base 104 and/or one or more pivot mechanisms 106 (hereinafter, "pivot 106" or "pivots 106"). The number of components, illustrated in Fig. 1A, is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in Fig. 1A. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of apparatus 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of apparatus 100.

[0016] Frame 101 may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of the subject and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, stresses, strains, etc.) imparted on frame 101 by the subject while using apparatus

100 and/or by one or more of components 102-106 (and/or any additional components). Frame

101 may, for example, be made of plastic, Teflon, acrylic, urethane, wood, metal, fiberglass, composite, or a combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable frame 101 to maintain a basic shape when being used by the subject and/or to enable various components to be attached to frame 101 and to be used by the subject. Additionally, or alternatively, frame 101 may be configured to be straight, as shown for example in Fig. 1A, or curved in a concave and/or convex manner. For example, frame 101 may include a curvature that is singly curved, doubly curved, etc. Such curvature may, in one non-limiting example, include a combination of curvatures that complement the general curvature of the spine. Additionally, or alternatively, frame 101 may include one or more structural members (e.g., I beams, H-beams, box-beams, cylindrical beams, etc.) that extend all or a portion of the length, width, or diagonal dimensions of frame 101. Such members may enable frame 101 to provide strength and rigidity such as that described above.

[0017] Base 104 may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of the components of the apparatus, subject, and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on base 104 by the subject while using apparatus 100 and/or by one or more of components 101-103 and 105-106 (and/or any additional components). Base 104 may, for example, be made of plastic, Teflon, acrylic, urethane, wood, metal, fiberglass, composite, or a combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable base 104 to maintain a basic shape when the apparatus is being used by the subject and/or to enable frame 101 to be attached to base 104 and to be used by the subject. The height of base 104 may be configured such that frame 101 may pivot three- hundred-and-sixty degrees in a vertical plane (as shown in Figures 1A and 1C and described further below) without contacting the ground or floor. The type and shape of base 104 shown in Figures 1A, 1C, and 5 are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] Pivot 106 may enable frame 101 to be rotatably and/or pivotably attached to base 104. Being rotatably and/or pivotably attached may enable frame 101 to rotate relative to base 104 from a generally upright position (e.g., as shown in Fig. 1A) to a slightly inverted position (e.g., as shown in Fig. 1C, to a fully inverted position (e.g., as shown in Fig. ID), and/or at any position between the upright and fully inverted position including a generally horizontal position. Additionally or alternatively, apparatus 100 may include one or more straps configured to secure the subject to apparatus 100 to, among other purposes, prevent the subject from sliding, slipping, and/or falling during movement of frame 101.

[0019] Pivot 106 may include, for example, one or more members (e.g., an axel, beam, etc. not shown) that pivotably attaches frame 101 to base 104 (e.g., generally parallel to the z-axis) to enable frame 101 to pivot and/or rotate about a longitudinal axis (e.g., z-axis) of the member relative to base 104. Pivot 106 may include one or more axels about which frame 101 can pivot and/or rotate relative to base 104. In one non-limiting example, an axel-like member may attach pivot 106 on one side of frame 101 to another, different pivot 106 on a different, opposite side of frame 101. In another non-limiting example, each pivot 106 may include an axel-like member about which frame 101 may pivot relative base 104, the ground, etc.

[0020] Pivot 106 may also, or alternatively, include one or more bearings (e.g., a sleeve bearing, a thrust bearing, etc.) (not shown) to allow smooth rotation about the one or more axellike members. Such a bearing may include, in a non-limiting example, an inner race that is fixedly attached to an axel-like member and/or an outer race to which frame 101 is fixedly attached. The inner race and outer race may house ball bearings, cylinder bearings, etc. to enable the inner and outer race to rotate smoothly and, thus, frame 101 to rotate smoothly relative to base 104.

[0021] Additionally, or alternatively, pivot 106 may include one or more known ratcheting, clutching, and/or locking mechanisms (not shown) configured to temporary lock frame 101 in place at one or more locations or angular positions relative to base 104. Additionally, or alternatively, in one non-limiting implementation, frame 101 and/or base 104 may include a lock pin, teeth, grooves, tabs, slots, and/or latching mechanism, etc. configured to secure or latch the frame 101 in place.

[0022] While Figures 1A and 5 show base 104 supporting and/or being pivotably connected to frame 101, in other implementations apparatus 100 need not be so limited. Frame 101 and/or pivot 106 may, for example, be connected (as described below) to a suspension mechanism (e.g., a chain, strap, rod, etc. attached to the ceiling or some other structure) configured to allow frame 101 to pivot three-hundred-and-sixty degrees in a vertical plane (e.g., about the z-axis) about pivot 106. The suspension mechanism may be supported by one or more suspension supports which contact and/or connect (temporarily or permanently) to a ceiling, wall, ground, floor, and/or other structural element.

[0023] Platform 103 may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of the subject and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, stresses, strains, etc.) imparted on platform 103 by the subject while using apparatus 100 and/or by one or more of components 101, 102, and/or 104-106 (and/or any additional components). Platform 103 may, for example, be made of plastic, Teflon, acrylic, urethane, wood, metal, fiberglass, composite, ceramic or a combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable platform 103 to maintain a basic shape when being used by the subject and/or to enable at least one pad to be attached to platform 103, as described herein without limitation.

[0024] Additionally, or alternatively, platform 103 may be movable in three dimensions and/or six different directions (e.g., relative to x, y, and z axes or some other coordinate system). In a non-limiting example, platform 103 may move longitudinally (e.g., along the y-axis as shown in Fig. 1A) in a first direction that is toward a first end of frame 101 or in a second, opposite direction toward a second, opposite end of frame 101. Platform 103 may also, or alternatively, move transversely along a third direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., along the z-axis as shown in Fig. 1A) toward the right side of frame 101 or in a fourth, opposite direction toward the left, opposite side of frame 101. Platform 103 may also, or alternatively, move in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of frame 101 (e.g., generally parallel to the plane formed by the y-axis and z-axis) that causes platform 103 to move in a fifth direction that is further away from the surface of frame 101 or in a sixth, opposite direction that causes platform 103 to move closer to the surface of frame 101.

[0025] The orientation of platform 103 may be rotatable in six degrees of freedom relative to frame 101 (e.g., roll, pitch, and yaw or some other coordinate system). In a non-limiting example, the orientation of platform 103, relative to the orientation of frame 101, may be enabled to change in roll (e.g., relative to the y-axis), in pitch (e.g., relative to the z-axis), or in yaw (e.g., relative to the x-axis).

[0026] The movability and/or rotatability of platform 103 may enable each platform 103 to be adjusted to provide a precise and proper orientation, support, location, or treatment of the spine or of one or more individual vertebrae of the subject. Such movability and rotatability may enable platform 103 to be adjusted based on specific need, condition, deformity, injury, size, age, gender, etc. of the subject and/or based on a particular treatment scheme or intensity prescribed for the subject. Additionally, or alternatively, a member (not shown in Fig. 1A) may enable adjacent platforms 103 to be connected and/or fixed in location and/or orientation relative to each other.

[0027] The figures and description herein identify frame 101 and platform 103 as being generally rectangular shape for explanatory purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, the shape need not be so limited. For example, frame 101 and/or platform 103 may be of any shape, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentangular, hexangular, octangular, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, while Fig. 1A illustrates apparatus 100 as including two platforms, in other implementations, apparatus 100 need not be so limited. For example, in a non-limiting implementation, apparatus 100 may include at least one platform per vertebrae of the subject.

[0028] Additionally, or alternatively, frame 101 may be configured to temporarily and/or permanently attach to platform 103. For example, frame 101 may include track 102, which may be configured to be temporarily and/or permanently attached to frame 101 in a manner that permits platform 103 to move longitudinally relative to some or all of the length of frame 101. Track 102 may be configured to temporarily or permanently connect to moveable platform 103 by, for instance, connection mechanism 105. Track 102 may be configured to securely attach to connection mechanism 105 such that platform 103 may move (e.g., slide, glide, slip, etc.) longitudinally in a linear manner that is parallel with the plane or curve of frame 101 such as that shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 1A. For example, in one non-limiting implementation, connection mechanism 105 may include a wheel and/or mechanical guide such that platform 103 may move linearly along frame 101 via track 102. In another non-limiting implementation, track 102 may include a rod (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentangular, hexangular, octangular, etc.) and connection mechanism 105 may include a sleeve (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentangular, hexangular, octangular, etc.) configured to move on and/or along the rod. In other implementations, the type, shape, size, and/or numbers of track 102 and connection mechanism 105 need not be so limited. Track 102 and connection mechanism 105 may include various connection types, shapes, and/or sizes. Additionally, or alternatively, frame 101 may include one or more tracks 102 and platform 103 may include one or more connection mechanisms 105. Furthermore, frame 101, track 102, connection mechanism 105, and/or platform 103 may additionally, or alternatively, be configured to allow platform 103 to move in a manner that is approximately orthogonal to the surface and/or plane or curve of frame 101, such as, for example, in the general direction shown by the dashed arrows of Fig. 1A. Additionally, or alternatively, frame 101, track 102, connection mechanism 105, and/or platform 103 may include a locking mechanism to temporary and/or permanently fix platform 103 in place relative to track 102.

[0029] Connection mechanism 105 may also, or alternatively, permit platform 103 to move in a transverse direction (e.g., along the z-axis as shown in Fig. 1A) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (e.g., the y-axis as shown in Fig. 1A). Such transverse movement may be enabled by one or more attachments (e.g., bolts, pins, rods, etc.) protruding from the underside of platform 103. Such attachments may protrude through one or more slotted openings (e.g., shaped as an oval, ellipse, rectangle, etc.) within a plate associated with connection mechanism 105 that allows the attachments to move transversely within the slotted openings and thus, enables platform 103 to move in the transverse direction.

[0030] Connection mechanism 105 may also, or alternatively, enable platform 103 to rotate in six degrees of freedom (e.g., based on role, pitch, yaw, etc.) in a manner similar to that described above. Connection mechanism 105 may, for example, include a rod, axel, etc. that is oriented in the transverse direction (e.g., parallel to the z-axis) to which platform 103 is pivotably attached (e.g., by a sleeve, bearing, washer, nut, etc.) and/or about which platform 103 may pivot to change pitch angle. Connection mechanism 105 may, in another non-limiting example, include a rod, axel, etc. that is oriented in the longitudinal direction (e.g., parallel to the y-axis) to which platform 103 is pivotably attached (e.g., by a sleeve, bearing, washer, nut, etc.) and/or about which platform 103 may pivot to change roll angle. Connection mechanism 105 may, in yet another non-limiting example, include a rod, axel, etc. that is oriented in the direction perpendicular to the surface of frame 101 (e.g., parallel to the x-axis) to which platform 103 is pivotably attached (e.g., by a sleeve, bearing, washer, nut, etc.) and/or about which platform 103 may pivot to change yaw angle.

[0031] Additionally, or alternatively, platform 103 may be adjustable in shape and size such that platform 103 is configured to support the particular treatment needs of a subject, while helping to provide treatment to the subject's spine (e.g., to return to the proper spinal curvature, provide support, to decompress, to treat an injury, etc.) without the need to invert the subject at a high angle, relative to a horizontal axis, that is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., as shown in Fig. ID). For example, platform 103 may be flat, as shown in Fig. 1A, or curved in a convex and/or concave manner. Additionally, or alternatively, platform 103 may be configured to be removed and replaced by platforms of different shapes and sizes, such that platform 103 may be customized for a particular subject.

[0032] As shown in Figs. 2, and 3A-3C, platform 103 may further, or alternatively, be configured to temporarily or permanently attach (e.g., by snaps, buckles, glue, screws, staples, Velcro®, or some other attachment mechanism) to customizable pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306. Pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may include a material, size, and/or shape that enables one or more parts of the subject's spine to be comfortably placed against and/or within the pad. For example, in one non-limiting implementation, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may be made of pliable material (e.g., foam, fluid, gas, liquid, gel, and/or other pliable material)) configured to conform to the spine, one or more vertebrae, surrounding tissue, etc. of the subject to provide proper support and/or treatment to one or more portions of the spine (e.g., e.g., cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, etc.). Pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may also, or alternatively, be formed by an outer ply, bladder or liner (e.g., formed by a polymer, rubber, textile, etc.) that is flexible, pliable and of sufficient strength and elasticity to house and/or control the shape of the pliable materials described above. In other non-limiting implementations, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306, respectively, may include a compartment in which custom pads 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307 of various sizes, shapes, contours, etc. may be inserted. Such custom pads 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307 may be formed by the pliable materials or outer ply described above and/or may be configured to be adjusted and/or to custom fit a particular subject (e.g., a portion of the spine, vertebrae, surrounding muscles, a deformity, an injury, etc.) and/or a subject's unique treatment needs. For instance, as shown in Fig. 3A, a custom pad 302, associated with pad 301, may be inserted to adjust the convexity of at least a portion of pad 301. Customer pad 303 may be inserted, in place of custom pad 302, to further increase the convexity of at least a portion of pad 301. Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, the material of pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 need not be so limited. For example, the material of pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may be of varying degrees of pliability, internal pressure, and/or hardness. In other non-limiting implementations, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306, or a portion thereof, may be inflatable by a subject and/or include various materials, such as pillow material (e.g., feather, foam, etc.), cotton, rubber, wool, latex, polymer, gels, granular material, etc.

[0033] Additionally, or alternatively, as shown in Figs. 3A-3C, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 and/or custom pads 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307 may include different shapes and/or may be customized based on a respective portion of the spine, vertebrae, surrounding muscles and/or tissue, an injury, a deformity, etc. to which pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 is intended to contact. The shapes of all or a portion of pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may, for example, include a convex shape (e.g., custom pads 202, 302 and/or 303), a concave shape (e.g., custom pad 305), and/or some combination thereof (e.g., custom pad 307). Additionally, or alternatively, pads 201, 301, 304, and/or 306, and/or custom pads 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307 may include certain one-off shapes and/or contours that are formed to match particular protrusions or depressions in or near a particular portion of the subject's spine or vertebrae. Such one-off shapes and/or contours may be formed by taking a mold of the subject's spine, vertebrae, surrounding tissue, etc. and/or to avoid a particular injury or pain source in proximity of the spine. The pad and/or custom pad may be formed based on the mold so that when the pad or custom pad comes into contact with the corresponding portion of the subject's spine, the appropriate treatment and support will be provided without pain or discomfort.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may be configured to be removably attached to platform 103 to allow for the removal and replacement of pads of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, or alternatively, while Figs. 3A - 3C illustrate various shapes and curvatures of pad 201, 301, 304 and/or 306, as well as custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305 and/or 307, in another implementation, the shapes and curvatures of such pads and/or custom pads need not be so limited. For example, in another implementation, entire pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 or a substantial portion thereof may include a convex shape, a concave shape, or a combination of convex and concave shapes. Pad 201, 301, 304 and/or 306, and/or custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305 and/or 307 may include various sizes and/or shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentangular, hexangular, octangular, etc.) to fit platform 103, a subject, and/or a subject's treatment needs.

[0035] A subject may receive treatment, and/or apparatus 100 may provide treatment, by the following an example treatment method. Adjusting the incline of frame 101 to enable the subject to come into contact with frame 101 by lying (usually face up) or sitting on frame 101 ; adjusting one or more platform 103 (e.g., moving to a particular location in 3 dimensions, orienting the position based on a suitable roll, incline, or yaw, etc.); adjusting pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306, and/or custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305 and/or 307 (e.g., by adjusting the size, shape, position, configuration, and/or orientation, etc. thereof) to fit the subject, the subject's spine, vertebrae, surrounding tissue, deformity, injury and/or the subject's treatment need; and/or contacting the subject to pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 or portion thereof.

[0036] The incline angle of frame 101 (including the subject) may be reduced from a generally upright position, to a horizontal position and/or to an inverted position at a low angle relative to a horizontal axis (e.g., as shown in Fig. 1C) that is less than a threshold angle (e.g., less than 1 degree, 2 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 30 degrees, etc.). While the incline angle may be in a range from 90 degrees above a horizontal axis (generally upright), to zero degrees (generally horizontal) to 90 degrees below the horizontal axis (fully inverted), for treatment purposes, the preferred treatment angle ranges from 0 degrees to the threshold angle of 30 degrees below the horizontal axis. The low angle of inversion may allow platform 103, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306; and/or custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307 to provide support to the subject's spine, vertebrae, surrounding tissue, deformity, injury, etc. while also enabling gravity to decompress the spine and/or vertebrae. Thus, treatments at high inversion angles (greater than 30 degrees below the horizontal axis) are negated by platform 103, pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306; and/or custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307. The low angle of inversion may also enable the above identified support, decompression, and treatment to be provided to the subject without causing the subject discomfort and/or pain, and/or exacerbating other health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, hypertension, vertigo, heart disease, etc.) suffered by the subject which are often associated with higher inversion angles.

[0037] The subject receives treatment due to the combination of inversion and support by platform 103 and pads 201, 301, 304, and/or 306. For example, inversion of the subject may preclude compression, reduce and/or control loads (e.g., forces, torques, stresses, strains, etc.) associated with compression, and/or provide decompression of the subject's spine and/or elements thereof such as vertebrae, discs, connective tissues, etc. While the subject is inverted, and the subject's spine may experience, for example, reduced compression or decompression and platform 103 and/or pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may provide support to one or more areas of the spine (e.g., cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, etc.) to help adjust the lordotic, kyphotic, scoliosis, and/or other curvatures of the spine. Consequently, the support provided by platform 103 and/or pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 in conjunction with the reduced spinal compression and/or decompression may permit treatment of a subject's spine without needing to invert the subject at a high angle (e.g., at an angle greater than threshold angle ?).

[0038] The number of components, illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 A - 3C, is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3A - 3C. For example, in some implementations, platform 103 may be configured to include one or more pads.

[0039] Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams of an example spinal roller mechanism 400 (hereinafter, "roller mechanism 400") that can be adapted to treatment apparatus 100. Roller mechanism 400 may include a collection of components including a roller membrane 402, a driver 404, a drive coupler 406, a hub 408, a group of rollers 410 (hereinafter, individually, a "roller 410" and collectively, "rollers 410"), and/or extension arms 412. [0040] Roller membrane 402 may be formed by a flexible material that covers rollers 410 when rotating about hub 408. Roller membrane 402 may be formed in a generally cylindrical shape that enables one or more rollers 410 to make contact with and cause the flexible material to stretch and/or deform as rollers 410 rotate around hub 408. In a non-limiting example, the material may be a stretchable textile (e.g., neoprene, spandex, etc.), polymer, a rubber-based material, etc. Roller membrane 402 may prevent the objects, a portion of the subject's body (e.g., hair, fingers, etc.) or clothing from becoming entangled in roller mechanism 400. Driver 404 may include a mechanism that can drive hub 408 and/or cause rollers 410 to rotate about hub 408 within roller membrane 402.

[0041] Driver 404 may rotate at various rotation rates to modulate the rotation rate of rollers 410 about hub 408. In a non-limiting example, driver 404 may be an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, a manual crank, or some other means of providing rotational force to roller mechanism 400. Driver 404 may include a pulley, gear, sprocket, etc. that is rotatably attached to drive coupler 406. In a non-limiting example, driver 404 may include a belt, a chain, one or more gears, etc. Drive coupler 406 may include one or more components to couple the rotational force of driver 404 via the pulley, gear, sprocket, etc. to drive coupler 406, to hub 408 of roller mechanism 400 and/or to cause rollers 410 to rotate about hub 408. In a non-limiting example, driver coupler 406 may include a belt, a chain, one or more gears, etc.

[0042] Hub 408 may include a cylindrically shaped mechanism that enables rollers 410 to rotate about hub 408, such as, for example, an axel, one or more bearings, etc. Hub 408 may include a mechanism (e.g., pulley, gear, sprocket, etc.) to which driver coupler 406 is rotatably attached to cause hub 408 to rotate and/or cause rollers 410 to rotate about a longitudinal axis that runs down the length of the cylindrically shaped mechanism of hub 408. Roller 410 may be formed by a generally cylindrically shaped and pliable material (e.g., a foam, rubber, etc.) that may deform to assume the shape of a portion of the spine of a subject with which roller 410 comes into contact with via roller membrane 402. In a non-limiting example, roller 410 may make contact with roller membrane 402 as roller 410 rotates about hub 408. The contact between roller 410 and roller membrane 402 may, in a non-limiting example, cause roller 410 to rotate about a longitudinal axis through the center of the roller 410.

[0043] Extension arm 412 may include a member that connects hub 408 with roller 410. Extension arm 412 may include a first end that rotatably connects with hub 408 and a second, opposite end that rotatably connects to a roller 410 (e.g., to an axel or rod about which roller 410 can rotate). By way of example, when hub 408 rotates, the extension arms may cause roller 410 to rotate about hub 408. Additionally, or alternatively, extension arm 412 may include a joint between the first end and the second, opposite end that enables extension arm 412 to bend and/or pivot between a first, non-extended configuration to a second, extended configuration. Enabling extension arm 412 to bend, about the joint, between the first, non-extended configuration and the second, extended configuration, may cause the radius of rotation of roller 410, as measured from the longitudinal axis of roller 410 to the longitudinal axis of hub 408, to change.

[0044] Fig. 4C is a diagram of apparatus 100 that includes roller mechanism 400. Roller mechanism 400 may be associated with apparatus 100 as a replacement for platform 103 and/or in addition to platform 103. For example, a subject may make contact with and/or be supported by apparatus 100 (e.g., by sitting or lying down on support frame 101) in a manner that causes the spine or portion thereof, associated with the subject, to make contact with platform 103 and/or roller mechanism 400 (e.g., roller membrane 402). While the subject is supported, the subject or practitioner (e.g., nurse, physician, chiropractor, therapist, trainer, etc.) may power up driver 404 to cause rollers 410 to rotate, within roller membrane 402, about hub 408 in a circular pattern. Each roller 410 may impart a small pulse of force (e.g., a pulsating force) upon a portion of the spine that is in contact with roller membrane 402 which may provide treatment to the portion of the spine receiving the pulsating force. The number of pulses of force as a function of time may increase by increasing the rate of rotation of driver 404 (e.g., by increasing the revolutions per minute (rpm), revolutions per second, etc.) or decreased by decreasing the rate of rotation of driver 404.

[0045] Additionally, or alternatively, the amount of pulsating force imparted on the portion of the spine (e.g., on a per pulse basis) may be increased by causing extension arms 412 to extend thereby increasing the radius of rotation of each roller 410 about hub 408. Similarly, the amount of pulsating force imparted on the portion of the spine (e.g., on a per pulse basis) may be decreased by causing extension arms 412 to retract thereby decreasing the radius of rotation of each roller 410 about hub 408. By way of a non-limiting example, when extension arm 412 is generally in the first, non-extended (e.g., more bent) configuration, the first radius of rotation of rollers 410 may be less than a second radius of rotation of rollers 410 when the extension arm is in the second, extended (e.g., less bent) configuration. The second radius of rotation may cause a first pulsating force to be imparted on the portion of the spine by rollers 410. The first pulsating force may be greater than a second pulsating force that is imparted on the portion of the spine when rollers 410 are rotating based on the first radius of rotation.

[0046] In a manner similar to that described above with respect to the movement of platform 103, roller mechanism 400 may be moved along track 102 in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of frame 101 (e.g., shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 4C) to enable different portions of the spine to be treated. Additionally, or alternatively, roller mechanism 400 may be moved in a manner that is approximately orthogonal to the surface and/or plane or curve of frame 101, such as, for example, in the general direction shown by the dashed arrows of Fig. 4C. Moving roller mechanism 400 in the orthogonal direction may enable the amount of force imparted on the portion of the spine making contact with roller membrane 402 to be increased or decreased.

[0047] The number of components of roller mechanism 400, illustrated in Figs. 4A - 4C, is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in Figs. 4A - 4C. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of roller mechanism 400 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of roller mechanism 400.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5, apparatus 100 may additionally, or alternatively, include a seat apparatus 500. Seat apparatus 500 may include a seat 502, one or more leg support 504, and/or one or more foot support 506. Seat apparatus 500 may be pivotably attached to frame 101 by pivotable attachment 501. Additionally, or alternatively, pivotable attachment 501 may include an adjustable latch, clutch, ratchet, and/or some other mechanism (e.g., bearing, axel, etc.) configured to allow a subject, an operator, and/or a medical practitioner (e.g., physician, chiropractor, physician's assistant, physical therapist, nurse practitioner, nurse, technician, etc.) to adjust the angle between seat apparatus 500 and frame 101. One or more leg support 504 may be pivotably attached to seat 502 by pivotable attachment 503, which may include an adjustable latch, clutch, ratchet, and/or some other mechanism (e.g., bearing, axel, etc.) configured to allow a subject, an operator, and/or a medical practitioner (e.g., physician, chiropractor, physician's assistant, physical therapist, nurse practitioner, nurse, technician, etc.) to adjust the angle between one or more leg support 504 and seat 502. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more foot support 506 may be pivotably and/or rotatably attached to one or more leg support 504 by pivotable attachment 505, which may include an adjustable latch, clutch, ratchet, and/or some other mechanism (e.g., bearing, axel, etc.) configured to allow a subject, an operator, and/or a medical practitioner (e.g., physician, chiropractor, physician's assistant, physical therapist, nurse practitioner, nurse, technician, etc.) to adjust the angle between one or more foot support 506 and one or more leg support 504. In each case, adjusting the angle may include one or more stops (e.g., via teeth, tabs, grooves, slots, and/or some other lock mechanism, etc.) configured to temporarily or permanently lock the positions and/or angles of frame 101, seat 502, one or more leg support 504, and/or one or more foot support 506.

[0049] Seat 502, one or more leg support 504, and one or more foot support 506 may also be adjustable to increase the width and/or the length of seat 502, leg support 504, or foot support 506 to accommodate the height and width of the subject. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, seat 502 and/or leg support 504 may include an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve in which the inner sleeve may slide (e.g., in an extending or a retracting telescopic manner) to adjust the width and/or length of seat 502 and/or leg support 504. Pin 507 may be removable or retractable to permit the inner sleeve and outer sleeve to be locked in place to preclude the inner and/or outer sleeves from moving relative to each other. Additionally or alternatively, foot support 506 may be configured to at least partially secure the subject to apparatus 500 such that the subject may not slide, slip, and/or fall during movement of apparatus 500.

[0050] The number of components of seat apparatus 500, illustrated in Fig. 5, is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in Fig. 5. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of apparatus 500 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of apparatus 500.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 6, the apparatus and/or system may also, or alternatively, include an automated treatment system 600 (hereinafter, "system 600") configured to automate the corrective treatment provided by apparatus 100 and/or seat apparatus 400. System 600 may include a collection of components, such as controller 601, an apparatus control mechanism 602, an apparatus 603, and a sensor 604. System 600 may communicate with a user device 610 via a network 620. The components, device, and/or network of Fig. 6 may be connected via a wired, a wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0052] Controller 601 may be connected to apparatus control mechanism 602 and may include, for example, any processor, central processing unit, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a desk top computer, server device, and/or a memory. Apparatus control mechanism 602 may include one or more mechanisms to control apparatus 603, such as, for example, a motor, servo air compressor, hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or some other mechanical control system. Apparatus 603 may correspond to apparatus 100, seat apparatus 400, and/or a combination of apparatus 100 and seat apparatus 400. Controller 601 may be configured to send a signal to apparatus control mechanism 602 to automatically adjust apparatus 603. Such adjustment and/or control may include changing the include between frame 101 and base 104, an angle between frame 101 and seat apparatus 400, the location or angle orientation of one or more platform 103, a shape and/or size of pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 and/or custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307 identified in Figs. 2, 3A, 3B, and/or 3C. Such control may also, or alternatively, include changing the angles between seat 402, one or more leg support 404, and one or more foot support 406 and/or the positions, widths, and/or lengths of seat 402, one or more leg support 404, and/or one or more foot support 406. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 601 may be configured to securely rotate and/or lock the position and/or angle of frame 101 relative to the base 104, and/or lock frame 101, seat 402, one or more leg support 404, and one or more foot support 406 at desired angles, positions, widths, and/or lengths. Controller 601 may further, or alternatively, include an input device (not shown) configured to allow the subject of the input device to control the position and/or angle of the frame 101 and/or the angles, positions, widths, and/or lengths of apparatus 400, seat 402, one or more leg support 404, and/or one or more foot support 402 and/or the rotation and/or locks thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, the subject may use user device 1 10 to wirelessly communicate with controller 601 via network 620 to perform the operations described above in this paragraph.

[0053] Additionally, or alternatively, system 600 may include one or more sensors 504 (e.g., pressure sensors, position sensors, etc.) associated with platform 103, pads 201, 301, 304, and/or 306, and/or portions thereof. Platform 103, and/or pad 201, 301, 304, and/or 306 may, for example, include one or more sensors 504 which may allow controller 601 to detect and/or obtain first configuration information, associated with the spine, that identifies the shape, amount of curvature, an amount of pressure, a location, etc. of the subject's spine and/or vertebrae. Controller 601 may compare the first configuration information to second configuration information associated with a healthy spine (e.g., information previously determined). Additionally or alternatively, controller 601 may be programmed to send a signal to the apparatus control mechanism 602 to automatically adjust the size, shape, configuration, and orientation of platform 103, and/or size or shape of pad 201, 301, 304 and/or 306, custom pad 202, 302, 303, 305, and/or 307, the angles, etc. to provide corrective treatment based on differences between the first configuration information and the second configuration information.

[0054] The number of components, illustrated in Fig. 6, is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in Fig. 6. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of system 600 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of system 600.

[0055] The foregoing description provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments.

[0056] It will be apparent that apparatus, systems and/or methods, as described above, may be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware, and hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the apparatus, systems and/or methods are described without reference to the specific software code— it being understood that software and control hardware can be designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description herein.

[0057] Further, certain portions, described above, may be implemented as a component or logic that performs one or more functions. A component or logic, as used herein, may include hardware, such as a processor, an ASIC, or a FPGA, or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor executing software).

[0058] It should be emphasized that the terms comprises and comprising, when used in this specification, are taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0059] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the embodiments. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one other claim, the disclosure of the embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0060] No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the implementations unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A spinal treatment apparatus comprising:

a frame to support a subject to enable treatment to be applied to a spine, of the subject, to remedy a condition associated with the spine;

a base on which the frame is pivotably attached in a manner that enables the frame, on which the subject is lying, to rotate from an upright position to an inverted position at an angle that is less than a threshold, the inverted position enabling the spine, of the subject, to be decompressed; and

one or more platforms movably attached to the frame, each platform, of the one or more platforms, being movable to a respective, different location relative to the frame to provide treatment and support to different portions of the spine when the frame is in the inverted position.

2. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 1, where the base is supported a surface of the ground or floor or is suspended from a ceiling or structure other than the ground or floor.

3. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 1, where the threshold is approximately equal to thirty degrees below a horizontal plane.

4. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising:

a pad attached a platform, of the one or more platforms, the pad being formed by a pliable material to provide a prescribed amount of support to a portion of the spine.

5. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 4, where the pad is formed based on at least one of:

a convex shape,

a concave shape,

a combination of the convex shape and the concave shape, or

an irregular shape that conforms to the portion of the spine.

6. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 4, where the pliable material includes at least one of:

a polymer,

rubber,

latex,

foam,

a liquid,

a gas, or

a gel.

7. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 1, where the one or more platforms can move in one or more of:

a first direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis along a length of the frame, a second direction that is parallel to a transverse axis, the transverse axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and along a width of the frame, and

a third direction that is perpendicular to a plane formed by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

8. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 1, where the one or more platforms can move in angular orientation based a change in on one or more of:

a roll angle,

a pitch angle, or

a yaw angle.

9. A spinal treatment apparatus comprising:

a frame to support a subject, lying on the frame, to enable treatment to be applied to a spine, of the subject, to remedy a condition associated with the spine;

a base, pivotably attached to the frame, to support or suspend the frame in a manner that enables the frame, on which the subject is lying, to rotate from an upright position to an inverted position to cause the spine of the subject to be decompressed;

one or more platforms movably attached to the frame, each platform, of the one or more platforms, being movable in three dimensions relative to the frame; and

one or more pads associated with the one or more platforms, each pad, of the one or more pads, being formed by a pliable material that conforms to one or more portions of the spine to provide proper support and/or treatment to the one or more portions of the spine when the frame is in the inverted position.

10. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a pivot mechanism to enable the frame to be pivotably attached to the base, the pivot mechanism including,

an axel to which the frame is attached to permit the frame to rotate about the axel relative to the base, and

a ratchet mechanism to temporary lock the frame in place at one or more angular positions when the frame rotates about the base.

11. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, where a pad, of the one or more pads, further comprises: a compartment in which a different pad can be inserted, the different pad having a shape that can be custom fit to suit a portion of the spine, a vertebrae, a deformity of the spine, or an injury to the spine.

12. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, where a pad, of the one or more pads, further comprises:

a compartment in which a different pad can be inserted, the different pad having a shape that is different than that of the pad, the different shape including at least one of:

a convex shape,

a concave shape, or

or a combination of the convex shape and the concave shape.

13. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 12, where the pad or the different pad can be inflated to increase a size of the pad or the different pad, or deflated to decrease the size of the pad or the different pad.

14. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, where each pad, of the one or more pads, is formed by a pliable material, the pliable material including at least one of:

a polymer,

rubber,

latex,

foam,

a liquid,

a gas, or

a gel.

15. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, where being movable in three dimensions enables each pad to move:

in a first direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis along a length of the frame, in a second direction that is parallel to a transverse axis, the transverse axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in plane with the frame, and

in a third direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the frame that is formed by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

16. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, where being movable in three dimensions enables each pad to change in angular position based on at least one of:

a roll angle,

a pitch angle, or a yaw angle.

17. The spinal treatment apparatus of claim 9, where a platform, of the one or more platforms, includes a connection mechanism that enables the platform to be movably attached to the frame, the connection mechanism including at least one of:

a first rod oriented in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal direction along a length of the frame, the platform being pivotably attached to the first rod and about which the platform may change in roll angle,

a second rod oriented in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in plane with the frame, the platform being pivotably attached to the second rod and about which the platform may change in pitch angle, or

a third rod oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane formed by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the platform being pivotably attached to the third rod and about which the platform may change in yaw angle.

18. A spinal treatment system, comprising:

a frame to support a subject lying on the apparatus to enable a customized treatment to be applied to a spine of the subject to remedy a condition associated with the spine;

a base to support or suspend the frame on which the subject is supported;

a pivot mechanism, to which the frame and the base are attached, to enable the frame to rotate, relative to the base, from an upright position to an inverted position, the inverted position causing the spine, of the subject, to be decompressed;

a track attached to the frame in a manner that is parallel to a longitudinal axis along a length of the frame;

one or more platforms movably attached to the track;

one or more pads associated with the one or more platforms, a pad, of the one or more pads, being attached to a platform, of the one or more platforms, and being formed by a pliable material that conforms to a first portion of the spine to provide support to the first portion of the spine when the frame is in an inverted position; and

a roller mechanism movably attached to the track, the roller mechanism including one or more rollers that are formed by a pliable material and rotate about a hub, the one or more rollers:

making contact with a second portion of the spine as the one or more rollers rotate about the hub, and

imparting a pulsating force on the second portion of the spine as the one or more rollers rotate about the hub.

19. The spinal treatment system of claim 18, further comprising: a connection mechanism, associated with a platform of the one or more platforms, that includes a wheel to enable the connection mechanism and the platform to move along the track in a direction that is parallel with the longitudinal axis.

20. The spinal treatment system of claim 19, where the connection mechanism enables the platform to move in

a second direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and parallel to a width of the frame, or

a third direction that is perpendicular to a plane formed by the longitudinal axis and the transverse direction.

21. The spinal treatment system of claim 18, further comprising:

a connection mechanism, associated with a platform of the one or more platforms, that enables the platform to be movably attached to the track, the connection mechanism including at least one of:

a first rod, oriented in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis, about which the connection mechanism and the platform can change in roll angle,

a second rod, oriented in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, about which the connection mechanism and the platform can change in pitch angle, or a third rod oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane formed by the longitudinal axis and the transverse direction, about which the connection mechanism and the platform can change in yaw angle.

22. The spinal treatment system of claim 18, where the roller mechanism further comprises: a driver that causes the one or more rollers to rotate about the hub, the driver including at least one of:

an electric motor,

a pneumatic motor, or

a manual crank.

23. The spinal treatment system of claim 22, where increasing a first rate of rotation of the driver causes an increase in a second rate of rotation of the one or more rollers, and

where decreasing the first rate of rotation, of the driver, causes a decrease in the second rate of rotation of the one or more rollers.

24. The spinal treatment system of claim 18, where the roller mechanism further comprises: one or more extension arms to connect the one or more rollers to the hub, an extension arm, of the one or more extension arms, including

a first end that is rotatably connected to the hub, and a second, opposite end that is rotatably connected to a roller, of the one or more rollers.

25. The spinal treatment system of claim 24, where the extension arm further comprises: a joint located between the first end and the second end, the joint enabling the extension arm to bend, about the joint from a first, non-extended position to a second, extended position, the first, non-extended position causing the roller to rotate about the hub based on a first radius of rotation, and

the second, extended position causing the roller to rotate about the hub based on a second radius of rotation that is greater than the first radius of rotation.

26. The spinal treatment system of claim 25, where the first radius of rotation is associated with a first pulsating force on the second portion of the spine, and

where the second radius of rotation is associated with a second pulsating force on the second portion of the spine, the second pulsating force being greater than the first pulsating force.

27. The spinal treatment system of claim 18, where the roller mechanism further includes: a coupler to enable the driver to impart rotational force on the hub to cause the one or more rollers to rotate about the hub, the coupler including at least one of:

a belt,

a chain, or

one or more gears.