Self-Treating Upper Neck System for C1-2 Mobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for tension-type headaches, including pharmaceuticals and self-treatment devices, fail to provide long-term relief as they do not effectively address the underlying cause of lost motion in the upper cervical spine, specifically the C1-2 joint, leading to temporary pain management rather than sustained resolution.
Innovation Solution
A self-treatment device featuring a base platform with adjustable blocking pillars and a head strap system using pulleys and handles to facilitate passive motion, mimicking mobilization techniques to restore C1-2 joint rotation and address the root cause of tension headaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-treatment devices are used for tension headaches, then accessibility and cost are improved, but effectiveness in restoring C1-2 joint motion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform cervical mobilization independently at home using a head strap, pulley system, and blocking pillars, eliminating the need for practitioner assistance while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for restoring C1-2 joint motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blocking pillars as intermediary elements that physically prevent the head from moving beyond the C1-2 segment, ensuring that the mobilization force is directed specifically to the restricted joint rather than allowing general neck movement
2Force
If traction type devices are used, then distraction of vertebral bodies is achieved, but restoration of joint motion is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from static traction to dynamic mobilization by allowing controlled rhythmic movement of the head within the blocking pillars, creating oscillating forces that progressively restore joint motion rather than maintaining constant distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking pillars create a localized treatment zone at the C1-2 segment by physically blocking movement at that specific location, concentrating the mobilization effect on the restricted joint rather than distributing force throughout the entire cervical spine
3Object-generated harmful factors
If pharmaceutical products are used, then generalized pain relief is provided, but joint mobility improvement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of pharmaceuticals with a mechanical mobilization system that physically restores joint motion through controlled movement and blocking, addressing the root cause of tension headaches rather than merely masking symptoms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides low-cost, accessible, and effective long-term relief for tension-type headaches by restoring motion in the upper cervical spine, reducing pain through passive mobilization, and allowing patients to manage symptoms independently, reducing reliance on healthcare providers and pharmaceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
a rope slung through pulleys and attached to two handles that the patient is able to utilize for passive motion
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a self-treating upper neck system for therapeutic mobilization and of the type allowing for restoration of C1-2 rotation by means of placing repeated passive mobilizations to the upper neck. This embodiment accomplishes this by having two stoppers (12a and 12b) that fix the C2 vertebra by placing a force through the posterior aspect of the C2 transverse processes. The force is applied by the patient via an elastic head strap (20) attached to a rope (22) that is looped through pulleys and eventually terminates with handles (24a and 24b) on each side. With the patient resting his/her head on a foam cushion (14) secured to the base of the apparatus (10), they use the rope (22) and pulley system to generate the precise magnitude and direction of forces necessary to repeatedly mobilize the C1-2 segments.