Paraspinal Electrical Stimulation for Impingement Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods and systems are inadequate for diagnosing and treating physical disorders caused by nerve or blood vessel impingement, particularly those involving involuntary muscle contractions, paralysis, or loss of control, as they fail to effectively address muscle atrophy and musculoskeletal, myofascial, and neurological conditions.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic model using the MyoWorx® TM20 biphasic pulse generation device applies low-level electrical stimulation to paraspinal muscles, combined with specific exercises and stretches, to treat impingement-related disorders by reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical stimulation signals are applied to work muscles or treat underlying conditions, then muscle atrophy due to paralysis can be treated to some extent, but the method is inadequate for diagnosing and treating impingement-related physical disorders involving involuntary muscle contractions and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies bipolar pulse generation with specific parameters (frequency, amplitude, pulse width) tailored to different muscle groups and conditions. The system varies electrical stimulation parameters to address different types of muscle dysfunction including paralysis, involuntary contractions, and impingement-related disorders, making the treatment adaptable to diverse clinical presentations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diagnostic and treatment model that identifies paraspinal muscles as intermediary structures. By targeting these muscles with electrical stimulation, the system addresses impingement of nerves or blood vessels indirectly, resolving the contradiction between treating muscle atrophy and addressing impingement disorders
2Extent of automation
If conventional electrical stimulation systems are used with predefined frequency and amplitude, then muscle contraction can be induced, but the system lacks diagnostic capability and cannot effectively address impingement-related conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines diagnostic assessment with therapeutic electrical stimulation. The same device and protocol are used to both diagnose impingement-related conditions and treat them, eliminating the need for separate diagnostic and treatment systems while maintaining automated stimulation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-based diagnostic and treatment model where patient responses to electrical stimulation are monitored and used to assess the presence and severity of impingement conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to both detect and treat conditions using the same automated platform
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 approach effectively reduces muscle tension, improves blood flow, and alleviates symptoms of chronic or recurring musculoskeletal, myofascial, and neurological conditions, including cardiovascular changes and hormone regulation.
Implementation Method 1
A conventional system for stimulating muscles with electrical signals is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,272 to Lieber. The Lieber document describes an apparatus for applying electrical stimulation signals to selected muscles at a predefined frequency and amplitude to contract and the work the muscles
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,423 to Oldham describes an apparatus with two electrodes that creates an electrical field within a to contract the muscle to produce induced contraction of the muscle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus of diagnosing and treating a patient with a physical disorder caused by an impingement condition of either a nerve or a blood vessel. A cluster of symptoms is identified based on patient medical information and an examination of the patient. The cluster of symptoms is recognized to be related to the impingement condition. A synthetic stimulatory neural signal sequence in conjunction with one or more therapeutic motions are prescribed to eliminate the impingement condition and heal the patient.