Systems and methods for decompression, elliptical traction, and linear traction of the occiput, cervical spine, and thoracic spine

Abstract

A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, and a third inflatable bladder portion. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in a first angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally inferior to and to the side of the first bladder. The third bladder expands in a second angular direction. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the first angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region. Upon expanding in the third angular direction, the third bladder bears angularly against the user's occiput.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.BACKGROUNDField[0002]Disclosed herein are spinal decompression and traction systems and methods related to the field of spinal treatment. More particularly, certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to occipital, cervical and thoracic spinal decompression and traction systems having a plurality of inflatable bladders and methods of use that maintain, enhance and restore a normal lordotic curve and counter hyper-kyphosis of the upper and mid thoracic spine.Description of the Related Art[0003]Cervical pain is one of the most common health-related complaints. When there are no neurological deficits, symptomatic relief of pain is often sought with either non-steroidal analgesics, or various physical therapy modalities, including cervi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]According to one embodiment, a traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a strap, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. The frame is secured to the user's head. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck and forces the cervical spine to curve forwardly. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.

[0042]In certain embodiments, a traction device is provided. The traction device comprises a frame having a base and a neck support coupled to the base to support the neck of a user during use and an inflatable bladder portion coupled to the neck support. The inflatable bladder portion is configured to expand in an angular direction from the neck support. Upon the inflatable bladder portion expanding in the angular direction, the inflatable bladder portion bears angularly against the back of the upper thoracic region and the mid thoracic region of the user as the inflatable bladder is inflated and forces the thoracic spine to decompress and reduces hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine and the mid thoracic spine.

Problems solved by technology

Such traction tends to straighten the cervical spine, removing its normal curve and often results in TMJ pain.

Additionally, individuals with lost or reversed (buckled) cervical spinal curves eventually exhibit a significant loss of natural joint movement, further limiting the normal canaliculus seepage and imbibition of adjacent fluids via vertebral end plates and annuli.

Without such nutrient rich fluids the discs continue to dehydrate, further weakening the discs, resulting in a further loss of mobility, degeneration and possible nerve damage.

These forces, powerful enough to separate the spinal joints, are unfortunately antithetical to the natural geometry and biomechanics of the human cervical spine.

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