EMS Chair Coil Positioning for Personalized Back Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chronic lower back pain (LBP) is a significant cause of disability with limited effective, non-invasive treatment options, and current treatments like opioids, acupuncture, and physical therapy provide mixed and unsatisfactory results.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) applied via a chair or patient support structure with an embedded coil, adjusted for optimal spinal cord stimulation, combined with CMAP response measurement and adjustable positioning for personalized treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic stimulation is applied to treat chronic lower back pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the complexity of the treatment device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the electromagnetic stimulation coil, the CMAP measurement electrodes, and the positioning mechanism are integrated into one system. This merging approach maintains treatment effectiveness while reducing the number of separate components the patient must manage, thereby addressing the complexity issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates automated feedback through CMAP response measurement, allowing the system to self-adjust and optimize stimulation parameters without requiring constant manual intervention from healthcare providers. This self-service capability maintains treatment reliability while reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If CMAP response measurement and adjustable positioning are added for personalized treatment, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where CMAP responses are measured and used to guide adjustable positioning and stimulation parameter optimization. This feedback mechanism enables personalized treatment precision while automating the adjustment process, which prevents the complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features adjustable positioning capabilities that allow dynamic adaptation to individual patient anatomy and response patterns. This dynamic adjustability improves treatment precision for each patient while the system manages the complexity through automated control algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic stimulation coil position is made adjustable, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic stimulation coil is integrated with an adjustable positioning mechanism that allows the device to adapt to different patient anatomies and treatment requirements. This dynamic positioning capability enhances adaptability while the integrated design manages the inherent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal adaptability to treat various patients with different anatomical characteristics and pain conditions. The adjustable positioning and CMAP-based optimization create a multi-functional system that can accommodate diverse clinical scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
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
Provides significant and sustained pain relief for chronic LBP, reducing the need for analgesics and allowing outpatient treatment without recovery time, with the potential for automated and standardized therapy.
Implementation Method 1
A method and device using electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) applied via a chair or patient support structure with an embedded coil
Implementation Method 2
An electromagnetic stimulation coil operatively associated with the backrest portion. The electromagnetic stimulation coil can be positioned to apply electromagnetic stimulation to a spine of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for treating lower back pain (e.g., chronic lower back pain) with electromagnetic stimulation are disclosed. A device for treating lower back pain can have a seat portion, a backrest portion, and an electromagnetic stimulation coil operatively associated with the backrest portion. The electromagnetic stimulation coil can be positioned to apply electromagnetic stimulation to a spine of a patient while the patient is seated on the seat portion.