116 results about "BACK DISCOMFORT" patented technology

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain are provided, in which an implantable stimulator is configured to communicate with an external control system, the implantable stimulator providing a neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy designed to cause muscle contraction to rehabilitate the muscle, restore neural drive and restore spinal stability; the implantable stimulator further including one or more of a number of additional therapeutic modalities, including a module that provides analgesic stimulation; a module that monitors muscle performance and adjusts the muscle stimulation regime; and/or a module that provides longer term pain relief by selectively and repeatedly ablating nerve fibers. In an alternative embodiment, a standalone implantable RF ablation system is described.

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and/or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and/or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain of a patient by denervation of an intervertebral disc or a region of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the controlled application of heat to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the invention may include a procedure combining both decompression of a disc, and denervation of the annulus fibrosus. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument in at least close proximity to an intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein nervous tissue within the annulus fibrosus is inactivated, and discogenic pain of the patient is alleviated. In one embodiment, the invention includes positioning a first electrode of a dual-shaft electrosurgical instrument at a first location in relation to a target disc, positioning a second electrode of the instrument at a second location, and applying a high frequency voltage between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on separate shafts of the instrument.

A system is described for long-term controlled release delivery of a drug or a therapeutic agent. According to the invention, one or more drugs or therapeutic agents contained in microspheres are mixed with a temperature sensitive hydrogel which is then introduced directly to the desired situs of the drug or therapeutic agent. The temperature sensitive hydrogel may also contain a drug or a therapeutic agent, for example, a pain relieving drug, for a short-term controlled release. The temperature sensitive hydrogel is in liquid state at room temperature, but upon injection, shortly becomes gelatinous. This system is particularly suitable for treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions, for example, tumors, discogenic back pain, or arthritis, warranting localized administration of a drug or a therapeutic agent. In addition, the specification provides a method for production of a drug—or therapeutic agent-containing microspheres.

An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to reestablish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immunosuppressive drugs.

The intervertebral disc contains no blood vessels. Nutrients and waste are diffused mainly through adjacent vertebral bodies. As we age, calcified layers form between the disc and vertebral bodies, blocking diffusion. The disc begins to starve and flatten. The weight shifts abnormally from disc to the facet joints causing strain and back pain. Under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid is produced causing acidic irritation and unspecific pain. A U-shaped disc shunt is delivered into and sealed within the degenerated disc simply by needle puncturing and withdrawal, to draw nutrients from bodily circulation into the avascular disc. A continual supply of nutrients increases biosynthesis of the water-retaining sulfated glycosaminoglycans, hence swelling pressure within the disc. The weight is re-shifted from the facet joints to the regenerated disc, alleviating back pain. With oxygen transported through the shunt, anaerobic production of lactic acid is minimized. In addition, the residual lactic acid is expelled through the U-shaped shunt during disc compression into bodily circulation to alleviate unspecific pain.

The invention provides steroid-containing pharmaceutical compositions which are free of classical preservatives and preferably comprise a steroid that is sparingly soluble or substantially insoluble in water, particulate steroid having an average particle size of from about 2.2 to about 10 microns. The pharmaceutical compositions can be used to treat medical conditions, including ophthalmological and back pain conditions.

The invention relates to an exercise device and method of use. The exercise device comprises a body support platform, a footrest board, a pulley system, and a pull up and push up exercise device. In its other version, the exercise device comprises a rectangular frame with front and rear posts and with a flexible upholstered body support platform. In its final version, the exercise device comprises the resting, lounge or office chair of various constructions.The exercise device is suitable for correct development of a human's abdominal, arm, back, neck and leg muscles. The invention encourages isotonic and isometric contraction of the muscles permitting their correct stretching and strengthening. The exercise device can improve physical fitness, body shape, posture and prevent and/or remedy neck and/or back pain or other such conditions.

The present invention provides a wearable waist assisting device, which includes a waist support frame, a waist strap is arranged on the waist support frame, and a thigh connecting rod that is relatively rotatable with the waist support frame is arranged below the waist support frame. The thigh link is provided with a leg strap, the joint of the waist support frame and the thigh link is provided with a combined power-assisted driving device, the waist support frame and the thigh link are provided with a gyroscope for detecting body posture, and the waist support frame A control system is also arranged on the top, and the control system is used to make the combined power-assisted driving device control the rotation power between the waist support frame and the thigh link according to the gyroscope data. The booster device can reduce the burden and discomfort of back muscles when bending over for a long time to work, thereby reducing the incidence of low back pain, and is beneficial to laborers who bend over for a long time to work.

A safety harness consists of a harness similar at first glance to other harnesses of the type but with the added feature of a conical waistbelt and specially contoured shoulder pads. The conical waistbelt allows for more weight to be distributed straight on top of the hip bones thus reducing the amount of weight the shoulders must bear. By having less weight on the shoulders, back pain is dramatically reduced. The contouring of the shoulder pads also allows for a greater freedom of movement.

A method and apparatus for repairing a hard to reach vehicle comprising a movable base with an elevated platform with a central support means connected to a platform that is powered by a screw jack that is used to adjust the angle and height of the rotating platform wherein the user can easily reach formerly hard to access locations to facilitate repairs thus also relieving stress, fatigue, and back pain for the user.

The present invention relates to a shoe sole for triple-time stepping that includes: a front portion having a front end gently inclined upward, and a bottom portion in even contact with the ground; a rear portion having a second cutout inclined upward at an angle of about 15 to 17° from a rear end of the front portion, and a first cutout inclined upward at an angle of about 15 to 25° from a rear end of the second cutout; a first recess formed upward in a predetermined depth on a boundary portion between the front portion and the second cutout; and a second recess formed upward in a predetermined depth on a boundary portion between the second cutout and the first cutout. The improved shoe sole enables a tri-time stepping on walking to remarkably mitigate a fatigue with a massage effect produced from a proper stimulation of the flow of energy to prevent flat-foot walks and promote metabolism and blood circulation, and disperses the impact force caused by the weight to prevent diseases such as arthritis, back pain, muscle pain, or the like.

The invention relates to a movable back type multifunctional massager, belonging to the field of massage and health care appliances. The movable back type multifunctional massager comprises a back massager, an abdomen massager and a manually-controlled touch controller. The back massager comprises four vibratory massage motors, four perceived music massagers, two infrared heaters, two phototherapy luminescent plates, a battery and a controller. The abdomen massager comprises two perceived music massagers, an infrared heater, and a visible light phototherapy luminescent plate. The back massager is used for promoting blood circulation, relieving pains, and achieving the purpose of treating back pains. The abdomen massager is used for treating constipation, and abdominal and gastrointestinal diseases.

This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The electrode array is maintained on the spinal cord at a chosen location by way of a spring or support structure that is anchored to an anatomical structure outside the spinal cord but near the site of implantation. Suitable anchoring structures include the vertebrae and the dura. Secured in this fashion, the support structure maintains a gentle pressure of the electrode array against the spinal cord so as to stay in electrical contact but minimize injury or inflammation. The device may accommodate and buffer movement of the spinal cord both laterally and in a caudal-rostral fashion so that the electrode array remains in place.