Improvements in or relating to spinal decompression

Abstract

A spinal-decompression device 10 comprises an elongate body 12 which has a spine-decompression surface 14 for pressing on the back or neck of a user. A lateral cross-section of the spinal decompressio

Description

The present invention relates to a spinal decompression device, and more specifically but not necessarily exclusively to a spinal decompression device which is raisable while maintaining a uniform or substantially uniform radius. The invention further relates to a spinal-decompression device with a part-tubular bore for applying a static pressure to a user’s back in a first position and a dynamic pressure to a user’s back in a second position. Spinal problems, usually lower and mid back along with neck, are often associated with poor posture. This is frequently a result of long hours sitting, chairs without correct padding and support, desks at an incorrect height, and the increasing use of hand-held devices such as mobile phones. All of these modern-day issues can lead to unnatural or undesirable compression or offset of the vertebrae and / or intervertebral discs of the spine towards or away from the sagittal, coronal and / or the transverse planes of the body. Exercises to correct posture and relieve back or neck pain may involve devices the user can position below or under their back or neck to provide pressure to the region of pain, so as to allow the spine to decompress. Such devices are typically hard or resilient cylindrical foam rollers, and are often primarily associated with myofascial release rather than spinal decompression. A user seeking relief and first starting a particular exercise or stretch is often better suited to a device with a lower height or smaller rolling circumference, since their spine and surrounding muscles will be in tension from the prolonged exposure to pain. After a period of using the roller, often being weeks or months, a user may start to achieve some relaxation in the area of pain along with improved mobility or flexibility, and may then want to progress to a roller device with an increased height or circumference. Such progression requires a user to either purchase multiple devices of different sizes or use a diameter which may not be entirely suitable at their current stage of treatment. In addition to the currently known roller devices not being ideal for spinal decompression, the correct positioning of the device for exact decompression at a specific point is difficult due to a user not being able to see precisely where the device is placed. It is an object of the present invention to solve or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi-height spinal-decompression device comprising an elongate body having a spine-decompression surface for pressing on the back and / or neck of a user, the spine-decompression surface having a lateral cross-section of uniform or substantially uniform radius, and a height-adjustment element by which the spine-decompression surface is raisable whilst maintaining the or a said uniform or substantially uniform radius. Such a spinal-decompression device provides the user with a comfortable spinedecompression surface which allows a user to effectively relieve back pain and improve posture and spinal flexibility. Byway of the height-adjustment element, a user can raise the spine-decompression surface to a desired height as their flexibility and mobility increases. The spine-decompression surface maintains a uniform or substantially uniform radius, meaning that even when raising the height of the spinedecompression surface the spine-decompression surface can provide a consistent area of contact for the user. Preferably, the elongate body comprises an at least part-tubular inner support, and an at least part-tubular outer cover. A structure having an inner support and outer cover can better maintain its shape when in use, providing greater support to the back or neck of a user. Optionally, the at least part-tubular inner support includes at least one transverse slot which sets an elasticity characteristic of the inner support. Preferably, three or more said transverse slots are provided in equi-axially spaced-apart relationship. Such transverse slots can alter or tune the rigidity of the inner support, changing the amount by which the spinal-decompression device will bend for a given force. Additionally, the position, spacing, and / or size of the or each slot also enables the imparted force or support of the inner support to be set. Consequently, the bending force of the inner support along its longitudinal extent may not be constant. For example, having the inner support being more rigid at its ends, and allowing slightly more flex at or towards its central portion or vice versa, and / or varying the size, dimensions or extents of one or more of the slots, can improve the comfort for a user along with accommodating a greater range of back and / or neck profiles. As a result, such transverse slots can be beneficial for both the static and dynamic pressures impartable to the user during use. Additionally or alternatively, the static and / or dynamic pressures impartable can be further tuned by the height-adjustment element being positioned further inboard towards the centre of the elongate body or further outboard towards the free ends. Furthermore, the at least part-tubular inner support may be interchangeable from amongst different selectable inner supports to further provide the user with an option to adjust or fine tune the device to their requirements. Beneficially, the at least part-tubular outer cover may include a laterally extending spine-receiving recess forming part of the spine-decompression surface. A spinereceiving recess can make the spinal-decompression device more comfortable for a user, and / or helps the user correctly align their back or neck to the correct position on the device. Preferably, the said at least part-cylindrical outer cover includes two concave support portions forming part of the spine-decompression surface and which are disposed on either side of the spine-receiving recess so as to be axially-spaced apart. Concave portions which are complementarily shaped or profiled to better accommodate the back of a user can improve the comfort for the user and provide better support and pressure for the user’s back. Optionally, the height-adjustment element includes at least one riser element which is releasably engageable with the elongate body, so as to enable the elongate body to be raised from a first in-use condition to a second in-use condition. In this case, two or more different said riser elements may be provided, so as to enable the elongate body to be raised from the second in-use condition to a third in-use condition. One or more riser elements can allow for the elongate body and thus the spine-decompression surface of the spinal-decompression device to be raised to different in-use heights without the need for multiple devices of different diameters. For example, a first in-use condition might be on the ground, and by use of one or two riser elements, the device can be raised off the ground to one or more different heights thereby allowing the height of the spine-decompression surface to be tailored to the user’s requirements. The positioning of each riser element along the longitudinal extent of the elongate body may be user-selectable, thereby allowing the bend of the inner core to be tuned for use. Optionally, the or each riser element may include a base element and an upstanding support member engageable with the elongate body. In this case, the upstanding support member may be unitarily formed as one-piece with the base element, and includes two opposing arm members. Alternatively, the upstanding support member may be releasably engageable with the base element, and includes a semi-circular body having free-ends configured to engage with the base element. The base element of the riser element provides improved stability against slipping or tipping over. The upstanding support member may conveniently be resiliently flexible, thus enabling a sprung press-fit or push-fit with the elongate body. In the event that a range of differently sized riser elements are provided, storage is simplified, as they can all be releasably engaged with the elongate body ready for the next use. The elongate body may be formed of a plurality of elongate slats. More preferably, the plurality of elongate slats may be interengaged by one or more elastic members. An elongate body formed of a plurality of elongate slats can have an adjustable radius. Elastic members interengaging the slats tension the elongate body, and can help tension the elongate body to maintain a shape with a uniform or substantially uniform radius. Optionally, the height-adjustment element may include at least one biasing member by which a first said uniform or substantially uniform radius of the elongate body can be increased to a second uniform or substantially uniform radius. In this case, the said biasing member may be part-spherical, and may form part of a removable end cap having a cap body from which the biasing member projects. Alternatively, two or more said biasing members may be provided, a first said biasing member being spherical and having a first diameter, and a second said biasing member being spherical and having a second diameter which is different to the first diameter. In both cases, the height-adjustment element may further include an at least substantially complementarily-shaped biasing-member receiver in the elongate body to releasably engage the said at least one biasing member. The biasing member receiver may, for example, be part-spherical, which thereby allows the spherical or part-spherical biasing members to be push-fit receivable within the elongate body. This therefore enables the slatted elongate body to be forcibly expanded against the elastic members. In a further option, the or each biasing member is frusto-conical. In this case, one of the elongate body or the biasing member may include at least one protrusion, and a wall of the other of the elongate body or the biasing member may include two or more axially spaced-apart recesses complementarily-shaped to receive the said at least one protrusion. This enables the biasing member to be indexed to different positions within an end of the elongate body, thus enabling the elongate body to be expanded to and maintain its expanded condition. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, two said biasing members can be provided which are interconnected or interconnectable by a connector which extends axially through the elongate body. Preferably, the connector is or includes a rod having at least one screw thread by which the said two biasing members are screw-threadingly interengageable. If indexing between defined expanded positions is not preferred, then an infinite adjustment can be achieved using a threaded rod which interconnects two opposing biasing members. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a spinal-decompression device comprising an elongate body having a spine-decompression surface which in-use presses on the back or neck of a user, the spine-decompression surface having a lateral cross-section of uniform of substantially uniform radius, the elongate body having a part-tubular bore with an axially-extending opening, so that in-use, in a first stationary or substantially stationary spinal-decompression position, the back-contact surface applies a static or substantially static pressure to the user’s back, and in a second stationary or substantially stationary spinal-decompression position, which more specifically is a rotationally stationary or substantially rotationally stationary position, the back-contact surface applies a dynamic pressure which is different to the said static or substantially static pressure. Being able to provide two different types of pressure to a user’s back, without requiring two different devices, is beneficial in terms of reducing the overall cost of treatment, reducing the storage space required, and being able to easily vary the type of treatment. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of treatment for spinal compression, preferably using a spinal-decompression device according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] arranging a spinal-decompression device in a first spinal-decompression position so that a static or substantially static pressure is applied to the user’s spine; and b] arranging the spinal-decompression device in a second spinal-decompression position so that a dynamic pressure which is different to the said static or substantially static pressure is applied to the user’s spine. Similarly to the above, being able to apply, via a single device, two different types of pressure to a spinal region allows a user to quickly and simply modify the treatment being performed. The chances of increasing the speed of recovery or alleviation are therefore increased. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of reorienting a spinal-decompression device, preferably according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] arranging a spinal-decompression device in a first spinal-decompression position so as to exhibit a static or substantially static pressure characteristic for a user; and b] rotating the spinal-decompression device to a second spinal-decompression position so as to exhibit a dynamic pressure characteristic which is different to the said static or substantially static pressure characteristic for a user. Incorporating two different pressure characteristics within a single device reduces the extra storage area requirement when compared to multiple devices, simplifies transportation, and reduces packaging and waste following manufacture. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adjusting a height of a spinal-decompression device, preferably according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] determining a required spacing of a back-contact surface from a supporting surface; and b] selecting at least one riser element from a plurality of different riser elements, engaging the said selected riser element with an elongate body of the spinal-decompression device so that the back-contact surface is raised whilst maintaining a uniform or substantially uniform radius thereof. Providing such a device with an option for multiple height positioning allows a user to utilise the device for longer as their treatment progresses. By incorporating a uniform or substantially uniform radius, even as the height is increasing, allows a more consistent and uniform pressure to be applied to the user’s spine. For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a spinal decompression device, in accordance with the firstand second aspects of the invention and positioned to apply a static or substantially static pressure; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal side view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 1; Figures 4a to 4d show an end view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 1, when positioned to apply a static or substantially static pressure at different heights; Figure 5a shows an end view of the spinal decompression device, positioned to a dynamic pressure and in a non-contact condition; Figure 5b is a view similar to Figure 5a and showing the device in a contact condition; Figure 6 shows a view of the spinal decompression device in use in a first stationary position; Figure 7 shows a view of the spinal decompression device in use in a second stationary position; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a second embodiment of a spinal decompression device, in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention; Figure 9 shows an isometric view of a partially-exploded third embodiment of a spinal decompression device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 9, with one biasing member inserted and one biasing member omitted; Figure 11a shows a side view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 9 at a first height with first biasing members of a first diameter; Figure 11b shows a side view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 9 at a second height with second biasing members of a second diameter; Figure 12 shows an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a spinal decompression device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 13 shows an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a spinal decompression device, also in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 14a shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a spinal decompression device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention at a first height; and Figure 14b shows a cross-sectional view of the spinal decompression device of Figure 14a at a second height. Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a first embodiment of a spinal-decompression device, referenced globally at 10. The spinal-decompression device 10 includes an elongate body 12 having a spinedecompression surface 14, and a height-adjustment element 16. In this preferred embodiment, the elongate body 12 comprises an inner support 18 and an outer cover 20. The inner support 18 is preferably more rigid than the outer cover 20. Byway of example, the inner support 18 may be made of a plastic material, which exhibits good strength and has a suitable elasticity to flex slightly without permanently deforming. Suitable materials may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene. Any other material with a suitable elasticity characteristic may also be used, such as bamboo, vulcanised rubber, and / or combinations of all the aforementioned materials. In this embodiment, the inner support 18 is part-tubular, having an arc shaped lateral cross section spanning an angular range of more than 180 degrees. Preferably, the angular range is at least 270 degrees, and more preferably the angular range is at least 300 degrees. The lateral cross section of the inner support 18 is therefore substantially C-shaped. The inner support 18 is of uniform thickness for even support and flexibility, but may alternatively have a non-uniform thickness. For example, the spinal-decompression device may have a greater thickness at its centre and taper towards each end, as the centre of the spinal-decompression device is likely to be subject to the greatest load. Similarly, some users may find the inner support having a higher rigidity or thickness at or towards its end portions and slightly greater flexibility or a lesser thickness at or towards its central portion could be preferable. It is preferred that the inner support 18 is hollow, defining a tubular, but more preferably a part-tubular, bore such that the inner support 18 has an axially-extending opening along one longitudinal side which spans the entire length of the spinal-decompression device 10. Alternatively, it is possible that the inner support 18 may be entirely tubular, and / or filled with a compressible material such as foam or rubber, with a lower rigidity than the inner support 18. The inner support 18 may have one or more transverse slots or apertures 22 to alter an elasticity characteristic of the inner support 18. The transverse slots 22 can increase the flexibility of the inner support 18. Evidently, a greater number and / or a greater size of the slots or apertures 22 leads to a greater flexibility of the spinal-decompression device 10. The slots 22 may extend laterally or in other words be elongate so that a longitudinal extent is in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spinal-decompression device 10. The slots 22 can be otherwise angled or positioned depending on the desired elasticity characteristic of the inner support 18. This could be done to, for example, vary the elasticity or rigidity of the inner support 18 along its longitudinal extent and / or at certain positions of the inner support 18. The inner support 18 could be more rigid at its ends, and be more flexible at or towards its central portion. The slots may be of different sizes or dimensions, and / or numbers. Such tuning may again improve the comfort for a user. Instead of being apertures, the slots 22 do not necessarily have to go all the way through a wall of the inner support 18, and may alternatively be provided as recesses, indents and / or perforations in the surface of the inner support 18. This again enables tuning or altering of the elasticity characteristic of the inner support 18. Three or more transverse slots 22 may be equally spaced along a longitudinal axis of the spinal-decompression device 10. In this first preferred embodiment, there may be two groups of three equi-axially spaced apart transverse slots 22, the two groups being symmetrically disposed about the centre of the spinal-decompression device 10. Other arrangements or positioning of the slots 22 can be envisaged. It is also feasible that the inner support 18 may be selectively chosen from amongst two or more different inner supports 18. A user may therefore alter a rigidity or elasticity of the spinal decompression device by interchanging different inner supports 18. The outer cover 20 is preferably made of an at least partially compressible material, which improves the comfort for the user. For example, the outer cover 20 may be made of foam material such as but not limited to ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam. Similarly to the inner support 18, the outer cover 20 may be tubular, but in this case is more preferably part-tubular, having an interior surface spanning an angular range of more than 180 degrees and being complementarily shaped to the inner support 18. Preferably, the lateral angular arc is at least 270 degrees, and more preferably at least 300 degrees. The inner support 18 and outer cover 20 may be permanently attached, for example via an adhesive or connecting pins, or alternatively be removably detachable, for example via elasticated bands, hook and loop fasteners, and / or simply a tight compression push-fit. The outer cover 20 of the elongate body 12 has the spine-decompression surface 14, which is intended for pressing on a spinal region of a user, and more specifically the back and / or neck. A lateral cross-section of the spine-decompression surface 14 has a uniform or substantially uniform radius, which is designed to provide both a more focussed point contact, along with comfortable and even support to a user. The elongate body 12 further includes a spine-receiving recess 24, which forms part of the spine-decompression surface 14. The spine-receiving recess 24 extends laterally across the spinal-decompression device 10, and more particularly it extends circumferentially around the elongate body 12 from a first longitudinal edge 26 to the opposing second longitudinal edge 28. The spine-receiving recess 24 improves the comfort of the spinal-decompression device 10 for the user, relieving some direct pressure on the spinous and transverse processes as well as the nerve channel, along with helping the user to better position their back or neck onto the centre of the spinal-decompression device 10. The elongate body 12 additionally includes two concave support portions 30, which are disposed at either side of the spine-receiving recess 24. The concave support portions 30 are complementarily shaped to better accommodate the posterior profile of a user, to provide better support and apply more even pressure in a median to lateral direction. Each of the concave support portions 30 are preferably identically shaped and sized, but this may not be essential for some patients. The spine-receiving recess 24 and / or concave support portions 30 may be tailored to the back, neck and / or spine of a specific user. For example, concave support portions 30 with a different depth or contour shape may be provided depending on the specific shape of a user, and may be specifically moulded to the shape of the users back and / or neck. Similarly, the spine-receiving recess 24 may be dimensioned to receive the spine of a user at a specific location on the users back and / or neck. The elongate body 12 preferably has a longitudinal extent of around 350mm to 400mm, and most preferably at or around 380mm, which allows most users to comfortably position themselves on the spinal-decompression device 10 with lateral support across at least a majority of their entire back and / or neck. The height-adjustment of the spinal-decompression device 10 is here provided as a plurality of riser elements 32. The riser elements 32 are preferably releasably engageable with the elongate body 12 to allow the height of the spine-decompression surface 14 to be raised. While two such riser elements 32 with identical dimensions are shown in Figures 1 to 3, which has the advantage of allowing a wide base of support for the elongate body 12, any number of riser elements 32 may be provided, and the riser elements 32 may have different dimensions to one another to enable different heights to be set. Each riser element 32 includes a base 34 and an upstanding support member 36. The base 34 and upstanding support member 36 of each riser element 32 are unitarily formed as a single element, although it is also possible that the upstanding support member may be separately attached to the base, for example via screws, adhesive and / or a releasable joint. The base 34 of each riser element 32 in this embodiment is flat for better contact with a supporting surface, such as the ground or floor of a room in which treatment is taking place, and each base 34 is dimensioned to have a width substantially similar to the lateral extent of the elongate body 12. This can better prevent the elongate body 12 from toppling over or undesirably rolling when in use, providing a more stable support for the user. The upstanding support member 36 includes two opposing arm members 38. The arm members 38 are complementarily shaped to an interior surface of the inner support 18, such that the elongate body 12 can be stably mounted on the riser elements 32 as an interference push-fit. However, the arm members may instead be configured to engage with the spine-decompression surface of the outer cover, allowing the elongate body to be mounted from the exterior rather than the interior. Other options are also envisaged, such as the arm members being receivable between the inner support and the outer cover. Furthermore, the arm members may instead be interengaged at their free ends, thereby forming a ring, semi-circular, or non-circular body which may be received in or around the inner support. The part-tubular construction of the inner support 18 means that the riser elements 32 can engage with the elongate body 12 at any point along the longitudinal axis of the spinal-decompression device 10. This allows the user a large degree of customization and tuning of any flex when mounting the elongate body 12 to the riser elements 32. It is also feasible, due to the axially-extending longitudinal opening of the inner support 18, that a single elongate riser element may be provided instead of pairs. In this case, the single elongate riser element can be push-fit inserted into the hollow bore of the inner support 18 so that it extends all or substantially all the way along the inner support 18. Notably, the spinal-decompression device 10 is configured or adapted to maintain or substantially maintain a uniform or substantially uniform radius even when the height of the spine-decompression surface 14 is raised by way of the riser elements 32. In other words, the curvature of the spine-decompression surface 14 does not change or does not substantially change, as the outer cover 20 is raised away from a supporting surface. One or more of the riser elements 32, and more particularly pairs of differently dimensioned riser elements 32, can be engaged with the elongate body 12 while the spinal-decompression device 10 is not in use. This enable the spinal-decompression device 10 to be very compact and easy to store. Figure 4a shows the spinal-decompression device 10 without any height adjustment element 16 in a first stationary position in which the spinal-decompression device 10 is not configured to roll or slide, while Figures 4b to 4d show the spinal-decompression device 10 with riser elements 32 of increasing heights. As can be seen in Figures 4a to 4d, the elongate body 12 comprises two longitudinal edges 26, 28 which are coplanar or substantially coplanar for contacting a supporting surface or for contacting the base 34 of a riser element 32 when in the first stationary position, thereby providing a stable base of support. Preferably, a height of the spine-decompression surface 14 of the spinal-decompression device 10 is around 50mm to 100mm with no height adjustment element 16 in the position of Figure 4a. Most preferably, a height of the spine decompression surface 14 is around 70mm with no height adjustment element 16 in the position of Figure 4a. The base 34 of each of the riser elements 32 preferably has a height of around 5mm to 50mm. Most preferably, riser elements 32 with bases 34 of heights 10mm, 20mm and 30mm may be provided. The height of the spine-decompression surface 14 can be adjusted by selecting a riser element 32 according to the desired spacing from a supporting surface. A user may for example start with no riser element 32, as depicted in Figure 4a, and then transition to sequentially higher riser elements 32 as their mobility increases. The, preferably selectable, axial positioning of the or each riser element 32 also allows the user to tune the static pressure being applied when in use, which is also beneficial to the user. The spinal-decompression device 10 can be used to target specific regions of a spine, particularly but not necessarily exclusively the lumbar and thoracic regions. In use, the user first selects the desired height of the spine-decompression surface 14 by using either no riser element 32 or by engaging one or more riser elements 32 of the appropriate height with the spinal-decompression device 10. The user then positions themselves on the device 10 so as to target a particular region of their spine. For example, a user X, when lying on their back, may align the spinal-decompression device 10 underneath their navel region in order to target their lumbar region as shown in Figures 6a and 6b, or may align the spinal-decompression device 10 below their shoulder blades to target their thoracic region. The same applies to the user’s neck region. Although not shown, the elongate body 12 may include a locator or indicator element to aid the user in correctly positioning themselves relative to the spinal-decompression device 10. The locator element may comprise one or more tactile notches or bumps provided on the elongate body 12, which would allow the user to more precisely determine their positioning on the device. Alternatively or additionally, the locator element may comprise one or more coloured markings provided on the elongate body 12, preferably at or adjacent the ends of the elongate body 12. As the longitudinal edges 26, 28 of the spinal-decompression device 10 are in contact with a supporting surface S when the spinal-decompression device 10 is in a first stationary position, the spinal-decompression device 10 does not flex, or only minimally flexes. The spinal-decompression device 10 therefore imparts a static or substantially static decompressive pressure on the user X. The user X can then move the spinal-decompression device 10 into a second stationary position by rotating the spinal-decompression device 10 about its longitudinal axis. Figure 5a shows the spinal-decompression device 10 in a second stationary position prior to contact with the userX. It will, however, be appreciated that the device 10 may be rotated to a different set or specific angle, for example, as necessity dictates. The term ‘stationary’ used herein means that the device is not intended to substantially roll or be rolled when in use in the second stationary position, and as such the device 10 is not primarily intended for rolling myofascial release. Figures 5b and 7 show the spinal-decompression device 10 in the second stationary position when in contact with the user X. As can be seen, the weight of the user X compresses the spinal-decompression device 10, bringing the longitudinal edges 26, 28 of the spinal-decompression device 10 marginally inwards. A height of the spine-decompression surface 14 may be altered when the spinal-decompression device 10 is in contact with the user X by the compression of the elongate body 12. The deformation of the spinal-decompression device 10 is preferably substantially minimal, such that the spine-decompression surface 14 retains a similar or a substantially similar curvature to maintain excellent support and comfort for the userX. The inner support 18 of the spinal-decompression device 10 thus effectively acts as a spring, providing additional pressure to the user X while under compression. This imparts a dynamic pressure to the user X which is different from the static or substantially static pressure offered by the spinal decompression device in the first stationary position. The spinal-decompression device 10 can therefore provide two different pressure characteristics to a user’s back or spine, without requiring two separate devices and whilst maintaining a lateral cross-section of uniform or substantially uniform radius. Advantageously, costs can thus be reduced and storage simplified. A variety of treatments can therefore also be quickly and easily applied to a user’s spine, back and / or neck. Referring now to Figure 8, a second embodiment of a spinal-decompression device 110 is shown. Identical or similar reference numerals will be used with ‘100’ added to refer to identical or similar components, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The spinal-decompression device 110 includes an elongate body 112 having a spinedecompression surface 114, and a height-adjustment element 116. The spinal-decompression device 110 here has an inner support 118 of a substantially similar shape and profile to the inner support 18 of the first embodiment. The inner support 118 preferably is made of bamboo, but may alternatively be made of other materials such as PVC plastics. The outer cover 120 of the spinal-decompression device 110 is provided as a fabric cushioning, which may be filled with, for example, wool or down feathers. The outer cover 120 incorporates the part-tubular spine-decompression surface 114. In this embodiment, the spine-decompression surface 114 is not specifically contoured to the back of a user. This may allow the spine-decompression surface 114 to comfortably engage with a wider range of users, such as users with narrower or wider shoulders than average. The outer cover 120 is attached to the inner support 118 via two securing members, such as elasticated bands 140. This beneficially allows for the outer cover 120 to be detached from the inner support 118, for example to separately clean the components. By enabling the inner support 118 and outer cover 120 to be separably disengageable allows one or both parts to be replaced in the event of damage. Beneficially, this also allows the outer cover 120 or inner support 118 to be changed for alternatives. For example, the inner support 118 may be exchanged for one with a higher rigidity, or the outer cover 120 may be exchanged for one with thicker padding. This provides a high degree of customisation. The outer cover 120 may be shaped so as to define two band-recesses 142, which receive the elasticated bands 140 to connect the outer cover 120 and inner support 118. This prevents or inhibits the elasticated bands 140 from slipping out of position. Of course, the band-recesses 142 may be omitted, with the elasticated bands 140 simply being directly disposed on the outer cover 120. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the spinal-decompression device 110 further comprises two resiliently compressible core members 144. The core members 144 are complementarily shaped to the inner support 118 and are designed to be engageable with an inner surface of the inner support 118. Each of the core members 144 is substantially part-tubular. The core members 144 each have two coplanar engagement flanges 146, which provide a substantially flat surface. The core members 144 may be held in place simply by an interference fit, or may be held in place via the elasticated bands 140, which can engage with the engagement flanges 146 of the core members 144. Alternatively, the core members 144 could be irremovably attached to the inner support 118 via for example an adhesive. The core members 144 function to provide a different elasticity characteristic for the elongate body. The core members 144 may be omitted where the inner support 118 is made of a material with a desirable elasticity characteristic, such as PVC, but are preferably included where the material used for the inner support 118 has limited natural springiness or flex. In particular, it is envisioned that core members 144 can be included where the inner support 118 comprises bamboo, to provide support to the inner support 118 when compressed and to allow for a similar elasticity characteristic as would be provided by a PVC inner support. The core members 144 are preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber or silicone. The core members 144 function to provide elasticity and allow for increased elastic tension when the device is used in a second stationary position, as described above for the first embodiment. The height-adjustment element is again provided as two riser elements 132. In this embodiment, the riser elements 132 comprise a base element 134. Unlike the first embodiment, the riser elements 132 each include two receiving grooves 148 which are configured to receive and securely hold the elongate body 112. The receiving grooves are configured to receive the inner support 118 of the elongate body 112 and / or the engagement flanges 146 of the core members 144. As with the first embodiment, multiple riser elements 132 with different heights may be provided. Beneficially, the structure of the spinal-decompression device 110 of Figure 8 allows for the spinal-decompression device 110 to be more easily constructed entirely from natural and / or renewable materials, which has obvious environmental advantages over using synthetic materials such as plastics and synthetic foams. In use, the spinal-decompression device 110 functions similarly to the first embodiment. The spinal-decompression device 110 can either be used with an appropriate choice of height-adjustment element 132, or may be used in a first stationary position and second stationary position, as outlined in detail above. Referring now to Figures 9 to 11b, a third embodiment of a spinal-decompression device 210 is shown. Identical or similar reference numerals with ‘200’ added will be used to refer to identical or similar components to those of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The spinal-decompression device 210 includes an elongate body 212 having a spinedecompression surface 214, and a height-adjustment element 216. The elongate body 212 is here formed of a plurality of elongate slats 250, which together define the spine-decompression surface 214. A lateral cross-section of the spine-decompression surface 214 has a substantially uniform radius. Twelve such elongate slats 250 are provided in the embodiment of Figure 9, although the number may be greater or lower. The elongate slats 250 are preferably made of a rigid material such as wood, preferably bamboo, or hard plastics. The elongate slats 250 further define a spine-receiving recess 224 which forms part of the spine-decompression surface 214. The spine-receiving recess 224 extends laterally across the spinal-decompression device 210 for receiving the spine of the user. The plurality of elongate slats 250 is interengaged by two elasticated members 252, in this case being bands, which are stretched over the elongate slats 250 to provide inward compression. The elongate slats 250 together define two elastic-member recesses 254, which are shaped to receive or accommodate the elasticated members 252. This can prevent or inhibit the elasticated members 252 from slipping out of position. Each of the elongate slats 250 comprises two alignment-apertures 256 which are configured to receive alignment-protrusions 258 provided on a radially-inwardly facing surface of the elasticated members 252. The elasticated members 252 have a complementary number of alignment-protrusions 258 to the number of elongate slats 250. While two elasticated members 252 and elastic-member recesses 254 are provided in the embodiment of Figure 9, it will be apparent that three or more, or less than two elastic-members and elastic-member recesses may be provided. Additionally, the number of alignment-apertures and alignment-protrusions may vary, although it is preferred that each elongate slat has at least one alignment aperture for engagement with an elastic member at each end. In this embodiment, the height-adjustment element 216 includes one or more biasing members 260. Two biasing members 260 are shown in Figure 9. The biasing members 260 are insertable into the elongate body 212 to expand the radius of the elongate body 212, which accordingly leads to an increased spine-decompression height. Each of the biasing members 260 has a part-spherical portion 262 which is designed to be fully inserted into the elongate body 212, and an end cap portion 264 which is at least in part receivable in an axial end of the elongate body 212. As best seen in Figure 10, inner surfaces of the elongate slats 250 of the elongate body 212 are shaped to define two biasing-member cavities 266, one at each axial end of the elongate body 212. Each biasing-member cavity 266 includes an end-cap receiver 268 and a biasing-member receiver 270. The end-cap receiver 268 has a generally discontinuous frusto-conical shape, and the biasing-member receiver 270 has a generally discontinuous part-spherical shape. With the biasing members 260 inserted into their respective biasing-member cavities 266, the elasticated members 252 bias the elongate slats 250 into firm engagement with ramped surfaces of the end cap portions 264 and curved surfaces of the part-spherical portions 262 of the biasing members 260. Depending on the diameter of the biasing member 260 selected, the elongate body 212 can thus have a different diameter. The height of the spine-decompression surface 214 can therefore be adjusted by choosing a biasing member 260 of appropriate dimensions from amongst a plurality of differently sized biasing members 260. Figure 11a shows the spinal-decompression device 210 at a first height with a first biasing member 260 having a first part-spherical portion 262 of a smaller diameter inserted, whilst Figure 11b shows the spinal-decompression device 210 at a second height with a second biasing member 260 having a second part-spherical portion 262 of a larger diameter inserted. The end cap portion 264 of each biasing member comprises a frusto-conical portion 272 which is complementarily shaped to engage with the end-cap receiver 268. The end cap portion has a gripping region 274 which has a substantially constant diameter which is larger than the diameter of the part-spherical portion 262. The gripping region 274 is slightly concave to allow a user to more easily grasp the edges of the gripping region 274. As the end cap portion 264 is not received within the elongate body 212, a user can hold the biasing member by the gripping region 274 of the end cap portion 264 to more easily remove the biasing member 260 from the elongate body 212. When using the device, a user can first select one or more biasing members 260 with an appropriate diameter. For example, the user may choose a pair of biasing members 260 which have a diameter configured to raise the spine-decompression surface 214 to a height of or around 70mm from a supporting surface. Alternatively, the user may choose a pair of biasing members 260 which have a diameter configured to raise the spine-decompression surface 214 to a height of or around 100mm. The user can then insert the selected biasing members 260 into their respective biasing-member cavities 266 of the elongate body 212, raising the spinedecompression surface 214 and changing the radius of the spine-decompression surface 214 from a first uniform or substantially uniform radius to a second uniform or substantially uniform radius. The uniform or substantially uniform radius provides increased comfort to a user, without any sharp curves or bends, and provides a similar experience for the user no matter the height of the spine-decompression surface 214. A user can lay over the spinal-decompression device 210 to target specific regions of their spine such as the lumbar or thoracic regions, or their neck. The user can then position themselves on the device 210 as described above so as to target a particular region of their spine. For example, the user may align the spinal-decompression device 210 underneath their navel in order to provide pressure to their lumbar region, or align the spinal-decompression device 210 below their shoulder blades to provide pressure to their thoracic region. Referring now to Figure 12, a fourth embodiment of a spinal-decompression device 310 is shown. Identical or similar reference numerals with ‘300’ added will be used to refer to identical or similar parts to those of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. This embodiment of the spinal-decompression device 310 is largely similar to the third embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11b. As such, the device 310 comprises an elongate body 312 having a spine-decompression surface 314, and a height-adjustment element 316. The spine-decompression surface 314 is formed of elongate slats 350 providing spine-receiving recess 324. The plurality of elongate slats 350 is again interengaged by two elasticated members 352, in this case being bands, which are stretched over the elongate slats 350 to provide inward compression. The elongate slats 350 together define two elasticmember recesses 354, which are shaped to receive or accommodate the elasticated members 352. The height-adjustment element 316 is instead provided as one or more spherical biasing members 360. In the part-exploded view of Figure 12, three pairs of said biasing members 360 are shown, having three distinct diameters. The biasing members 360 of this embodiment are configured to engage with the elongate body 312 in much the same manner as described above, but may be preferred for ease of construction. In use, the spinal-decompression device 310 functions similarly to the embodiment of Figures 9 to 11b, and thus detailed description is omitted for brevity. Referring now to Figure 13, a fifth embodiment of a spinal-decompression device 410 is shown. Again, identical or similar reference numerals with ‘400’ added will be used to refer to identical or similar components to those of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. This embodiment of the spinal-decompression device 410 is largely similar to the third and fourth embodiments, shown in Figures 9 to 12. The spinal-decompression device 410 again includes an elongate body 412 having a spine-decompression surface 414, and a height-adjustment element 416. The elongate body 412 is likewise formed of profiled slats 450 which are interengaged with one or more elasticated members 452. In this fifth embodiment, the height-adjustment elements 416 includes two biasing members 460 which are interconnected by a first part 476a of a connector element 476 extending axially through a bore of the elongate body 412. The two biasing members 460 of this embodiment have a cylindrical end cap portion 464, a frusto-conical biasing portion 472, and a second part 476b of the connector element 476. The biasing-member cavity 466 is here provided as a complementarily shaped generally discontinuous frusto-conical recess at axial ends of the elongate body 412. The first part 476a of the connector element 476 is provided as a rod having a screw thread at least at both ends. The biasing members 460 are screw-threadingly engageable with the rod via the second parts 476b of the connector element 476 having complementary screw-threads. Each of the biasing members 460 preferably has a notch or slot 480 in an axially outwardly-facing end surface to allow a user to more easily rotate the biasing members 460 with a tool. Additionally or alternatively, a grip or handle may be provided. To alter the height of the spine-decompression surface 414 in this embodiment, with the biasing members 460 located in their respective biasing-member cavities and interconnected via the rod, one or both of the biasing members 460 are turned to screw-threadingly urge them closer together along the rod, thus pulling them further into the biasing-member cavities 466 within the bore of the elongate body 412. Due to the frusto-conical biasing portions 472 of the biasing members 460 sliding against the surfaces of the discontinuous frusto-conical recesses, the slats 450 of the elongate body 412 are urged apart, thereby increasing the diameter and thus the height of the spine-decompression surface 414. Beneficially, this allows the height of the spine-decompression surface 414 to be increased gradually and offers a continuous or infinite range of potential height adjustments. The spinal-decompression device 410 otherwise is used in a similar manner to the previously discussed embodiments. It is envisioned that the connector may instead be provided as a cord or string with a cord length adjuster such as a buckle. In this case, the cord or string may optionally be elasticated. Referring now to Figures 14a and 14b, a sixth embodiment of a spinal-decompression device 510 is shown. As before, identical or similar reference numerals with ‘500’ added will be used to refer to identical or similar parts to those of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. This sixth embodiment of the spinal-decompression device 510 is largely similar to the embodiments of Figures 9 to 13. The device of the sixth embodiment, similarly to the third to fifth embodiments, comprises an elongate body 512 formed of a plurality of slats interengaged via a pair of elasticated members 552. As above, the elasticated members 552 may include radially-inwardly projecting protrusions which are receivable in complementary recesses 556 in the slats. The elasticated members 552 can thus be seated in circumferentially extending channels around the elongate body 512, with the protrusions engaged in their respective recesses 556 to improve the interengagement of the slats. Similarly to the fifth embodiment above, the two biasing members 560 have a cylindrical end cap portion 564, and a frusto-conical biasing portion 572. The biasing-member cavity is provided as a complementarily shaped generally discontinuous frusto-conical recess at either end of the elongate body 512. In this embodiment, each frusto-conical biasing portion of the biasing members 560 includes a protrusion 580 positioned on a wall of the frusto-conical biasing portion. Each protrusion 580 is preferably a circumferential ring and protrudes radially from a surface of the frusto-conical biasing portion. In this case, each protrusion 580 extends substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the biasing member 560. The biasing-member receivers each include axially spaced-apart recesses 582, which are complementarily-shaped to receive the said protrusions 580. Each biasingmember receiver has three such recesses 582 which are preferably equi-axially spaced apart. It will, however, be understood that a greater or lesser number of recesses 582 may be included. The recesses 582 are symmetrically disposed on the elongate body 512, such that each of the recesses 582 of one biasing-member receiver has a corresponding recess in the other biasing-member receiver. The recesses 582 of each of the biasing-member receivers are both axially and radially spaced apart from one another. The recesses 582 are provided in order of increasing radial distance from the longitudinal axis from the centre of the elongate body 512 towards either end. To alter the height of the spine-decompression surface in this embodiment, each biasing member of a pair is inserted into a respective end of the elongate body 512 to engage with a said recess of one of the biasing-member receivers. This sets the spinedecompression surface at a first height, with the spinal-decompression device 510 having a first substantially uniform radius. Then, the biasing members 560 can be pushed further into the bore of the elongate body 512, to each engage with a different recess 582 of the biasing-member receivers. Again, the biasing members 560 are preferably engaged with complementary recesses 582 of the same radial distance from the longitudinal axis. This sets the spinedecompression surface at a second height which is different to the first height, and thus the spinal-decompression device 510 exhibits a second substantially uniform radius. This provides several discrete heights attainable for the spine-decompression surface, while only requiring two biasing members 560, which can increase the ease of use by allowing a user to very quickly change the height of the spine-decompression surface. The number of recesses 582 may of course vary depending on how many discrete heights are desired for the spine-decompression surface. Less than two or more than three recesses 582 may be provided. In use, the spinal-decompression device 510 otherwise functions in a similar manner to the previously discussed embodiments, and further discussion is avoided for brevity. It is appreciated that while the biasing members are shown with protrusions and the biasing-member receivers are shown with recesses in the sixth embodiment depicted in Figures 14a and 14b, an arrangement where the recesses are present on the biasing member and the protrusions are part of the elongate body would work equally well. While the spinal-decompression device of the above embodiments has been described primarily in relation to spinal-decompression, it will of course be apparent to the skilled person that the spinal-decompression device may be used for other purposes, including exercises such as for example yoga or inclined press ups. It is therefore possible to provide a spinal-decompression device which allows a user to effectively relieve back pain and neck pain. Posture and spinal flexibility can be improved by way of a spine-decompression surface which can be adjusted to a desired height as the flexibility and mobility of a user increases, without altering or substantially 5 altering a uniform radius of the surface. It is also feasible to provide a device that imparts static and dynamic pressures. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition 10 of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or 15 in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A multi-height spinal-decompression device comprising an elongate body having a spine-decompression surface for pressing on the back or neck of a user, the spine-decompression surface having a lateral cross-section of uniform or substantially uniform radius, and a height-adjustment element by which the spine-decompression surface is raisable whilst maintaining the or a said uniform or substantially uniform radius.

2. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate body comprises an at least part-tubular inner support, and an at least part-tubular outer cover.

3. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least part-tubular inner support includes at least one transverse slot which sets an elasticity characteristic of the inner support.

4. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 3, wherein three or more said transverse slots are provided in equi-axially spaced-apart relationship.

5. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the said at least part-tubular outer cover includes a laterally extending spine-receiving recess form part of the spine-decompression surface.

6. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the said at least part-cylindrical outer cover includes two concave support portions forming part of the spine-decompression surface and disposed on either side of the spine-receiving recess so as to be axially-spaced apart.

7. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the height-adjustment element includes at least one riser element which is releasably engageable with the elongate body, so as to enable the elongate body to be raised from a first in-use condition to a second in-use condition.

8. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in 7, wherein two or more different said riser elements are provided, so as to enable the elongate body to be raised from the second in-use condition to a third in-use condition.

9. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in 7 or claim 8, whereinthe or each riser element includes a base element and an upstanding support member engageable with the elongate body.

10. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upstanding support member is unitarily formed as one-piece with the base element, and includes two opposing arm members.

11. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the upstanding support member is releasably engageable with the base element, and includes a semi-circular body having free-ends configured to engage with the base element.

12. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate body is formed of a plurality of elongate slats.

13. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of elongate slats is interengaged by one or more elastic members.

14. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-adjustment element includes at least one biasing member by which a first said uniform or substantially uniform radius of the elongate body can be increased to a second uniform or substantially uniform radius.

15. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the biasing member comprises and an end cap portion and a part-spherical portion projecting from the end cap portion.

16. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 14, wherein two or more said biasing members are provided, a first said biasing member being spherical and having a first diameter, and a second said biasing member being spherical and having a second diameter which is different to the first diameter.

17. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the height-adjustment element further includes an at least substantially complementarily-shaped biasing-member receiver in the elongate body to releasably engage the said at least one biasing member.

18. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the biasing member is frusto-conical.

19. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of the elongate body or the biasing member includes at least one protrusion, and a wall of the other of the elongate body or the biasing member includes two or more axially spaced-apart recesses complementarily-shaped to receive the said at least one protrusion.

20. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein two said biasing members are provided which are interconnected or interconnectable by a connector which extends axially through the elongate body.

21. A multi-height spinal-decompression device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the connector is a rod having at least one screw thread by which the said two biasing members are screw-threadingly interengageable.

22. A spinal-decompression device comprising an elongate body having a spinedecompression surface which in-use presses on the back or neck of a user, the spine-decompression surface having a lateral cross-section of uniform of substantially uniform radius, the elongate body having a part-tubular bore with an axially-extending opening, so that in-use, in a first stationary or substantially stationary spinal-decompression position, the back-contact surface applies a static or substantially static pressure to the user’s back, and in a second stationary or substantially stationary spinal-decompression position, the back-contact surface applies a dynamic pressure which is different to the said static or substantially static pressure.

23. A method of treatment for spinal compression using a spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: a] arranging a spinal-decompression device in a first spinal-decompression position so that a static or substantially static pressure is applied to the user’s spine; and b] arranging the spinal-decompression device in a second spinal-decompression position so that a dynamic pressure which is different to the said static or substantially static pressure is applied to the user’s spine.

24. A method of reorienting a spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of: a] arranging the spinal-decompression device in a first spinal-decompression position so as to exhibit a static or substantially static pressure characteristic for a user; and b] rotating the spinal-decompression device to a second spinal-decompression positionso as to exhibit a dynamic pressure characteristic which is different to the said static or substantially static pressure characteristic for a user.

25. A method of adjusting a height of a spinal-decompression device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the steps of: a] determining5 a required spacing of the spine-decompression surface from a supportingsurface; and b] selecting at least one riser element from a plurality of different riser elements, engaging the said selected riser element with an elongate body of the spinal-decompression device so that the spine-decompression surface is raised whilst maintaining a uniform or substantially uniform radius thereof.10

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