Spine Extension Roller with Protrusion for Facet Joint Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foam rolling techniques for the spine, while beneficial, fail to adequately load and directly manipulate the facet joints, limiting their effectiveness over time due to the distribution of weight along the roller.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a cylindrical roller and grab bars that allows for dynamic spinal extension by enabling users to counterbalance spinal flexion, facilitating greater facet joint manipulation and mobilization of the entire spine length from occipital to sacrum, in a horizontal closed kinetic chain and non-compressive spinal loading environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical foam roller is used for spine rolling, then the user can perform self-myofascial release, but the weight is distributed along the length of the roller which limits the ability to directly load and manipulate the facet joints
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is modified to have a localized protrusion or bump at a specific position along its length. This creates a concentrated contact point that directs force specifically to the facet joints when the user positions their spine over the roller, rather than distributing weight along the entire roller length. The local quality change enables targeted facet joint loading while maintaining the self-myofascial release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller surface is segmented into different zones: a smooth portion for general myofascial release and a protruding portion for targeted facet joint manipulation. This segmentation allows the user to selectively engage different areas of the spine with appropriate force concentrations, addressing both general tissue release and specific joint manipulation needs.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the user lies passively on a foam roller, then the spine can be rolled, but the user cannot dynamically increase spinal extension or effectively counterbalance spinal flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is designed to work in conjunction with the user's active movements. The protrusion feature allows the user to dynamically adjust their position and apply varying degrees of spinal extension by controlling how their body weight interacts with the roller's surface. This transforms the passive rolling action into an active, dynamic manipulation where the user can modulate the intensity and range of motion in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller's protrusion creates a leverage point that allows the user to use their body weight as a counterbalance to spinal flexion. By positioning the protrusion under specific spinal segments and using the roller as a fulcrum, the user can actively extend the spine against the natural flexion tendency, effectively using gravity and body weight in a controlled manner.
3Reliability
If traditional foam rolling is performed, then general spinal relaxation can be achieved, but direct loading and manipulation of facet joints to a greater degree is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The roller incorporates a localized structural feature (protrusion or bump) that concentrates force application to specific spinal segments, particularly the facet joints. This local quality modification ensures reliable and consistent force delivery to the target area, enabling effective facet joint manipulation that cannot be achieved with a uniform roller surface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is embodied in an apparatus for extending the human back. The preferred apparatus has a frame of transverse and longitudinal members, and a roller 20 rigidly supported from below by a transverse member. The space above the roller and frame is open so that a user can lie face up on the roller and grab the longitudinal members with each hand to extend the back over the top of the roller. The user then lowers his hips to extend the spine as much as desired. The user can roll the spine, vertebrae by vertebrae, from the base of the occipital to the sacrum.