U.S. patent application number 10/847764 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for pad for back or neck correction and method of using same.
Invention is credited to Hamaekers, Guy M., Remme, Marcel R..
Application Number | 20050257322 10/847764 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34969106 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050257322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Remme, Marcel R. ; et
al. |
November 24, 2005 |
Pad for back or neck correction and method of using same
Abstract
A method of back and neck correction or back and neck alignment
includes placing a pad in the form of a strip on a floor. A person
then lies on the strip such that (a) the strip is beneath a
person's head and one end is positioned from about the 8.sup.th to
about the 10.sup.th thorax vertebrae, or (b) a person's sacrum is
on the strip such that one end of the strip is between the top of
the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra. The strip is made from a
material that is about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about
0.5 to about 6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches
in width and having a compressive force deflection at 25%
deflection of from about 0.5 to about 50 psi.
Inventors: |
Remme, Marcel R.; (Pochutla,
MX) ; Hamaekers, Guy M.; (Pochutla, MX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLANDER LAW FIRM, P.L.C.
SUITE 305
10300 EATON PLACE
FAIRFAX
VA
22030
|
Family ID: |
34969106 |
Appl. No.: |
10/847764 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/652 ;
5/630 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00047 20130101;
A61F 5/01 20130101; A63B 23/0233 20130101; A63B 2023/006 20130101;
A61H 1/0296 20130101; A63B 21/4037 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/652 ;
005/630 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of back and neck correction or back and neck alignment,
comprising: placing a strip on a floor; and lying on the strip such
that (a) the strip is beneath a person's head and one end is
positioned from about the 8.sup.th to about the 10.sup.th thorax
vertebrae, or (b) the strip is beneath a person's sacrum and one
end of the strip is between a top of the person's sacrum and the
lowest lumbar vertebra, wherein the strip comprises a material that
is about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about 0.5 to about
6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches in
width.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises a
natural material or a synthetic material.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the natural material is
selected from the group consisting of wood, hemp fiber, cocos
fiber, sisal fiber, natural rubber or latex rubber, wool, cotton,
felt, paper, cork, kapok, and combinations of these materials.
4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the synthetic material is
selected from the group consisting of plastics, petrol derivatives,
silicones, gels, polystyrene foams, polyurethane foams, and
combinations of these materials.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
density of about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
density of about 10 to about 15 pounds per cubic foot.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
density of about 13 pounds per cubic foot.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
hardness from about 20 to about 90 Duro OO.
9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
hardness from about 40 to about 60 Duro OO.
10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 0.5 to
about 50 psi.
11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 7 to
about 15 psi.
12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material has a
compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 9 to
about 12 psi.
13. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises
latex rubber, felt, natural fibers, or cork.
14. A method according to claim 1, wherein the material comprises
neoprene foam, EVA foam, PE foam, EPDM foam, silicon sponge rubber,
sponge rubber, or synthetic felt.
15. A method according to claim 1, wherein the strip has rounded
ends.
16. A method according to claim 1, wherein the person lies on the
strip such that a person's head is on the strip and one end is
positioned from about the 8.sup.th to about the 10.sup.th thorax
vertebrae.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising, while lying
on the strip, the person raises his hands upwards and perpendicular
to the floor and then moves his hands overhead towards the
floor.
18. A method according to claim 16, further comprising, while lying
on the strip, the person raises his pelvis such that only neck
vertebrae and the back of his head are touching the strip.
19. A method according to claim 1, wherein the person lies with the
person's sacrum on the strip such that one end of the strip is
between a top of the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra.
20. A flexible strip for back and neck correction or back and neck
alignment comprising: a strip comprising a unitary body that is
about 8 inches to about 48 inches in length; about 0.5 to about 6
inches in height; and about 1 inch to about 6 inches in width, said
strip having rounded ends and substantially flat top and bottom
surfaces between the rounded ends, wherein the strip comprises a
material having a density of about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic
foot, a hardness from about 20 to about 90 Duro OO, and a
compressive force deflection at 25% deflection of from about 0.5 to
about 50 psi.
21. A flexible strip according to claim 20, wherein the material
comprises latex rubber foam or sponge rubber.
22. A flexible strip for back and neck correction or back and neck
alignment comprising: a strip comprising a body of one or more
materials surrounded or encased by a removable cover or a flexible
container, said strip being about 8 inches to about 48 inches in
length; about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height; and about 1 inch to
about 6 inches in width, said strip having rounded ends and
substantially flat top and bottom surfaces between the rounded
ends, wherein the strip comprises a material having a density of
about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot, a hardness from about 20
to about 90 Duro OO, and a compressive force deflection at 25%
deflection of from about 0.5 to about 50 psi.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a pad used for back and
neck correction or back and neck alignment. The pad may be a
flexible strip and may be positioned so that the strip is beneath a
person's head and one end of the strip is positioned from about the
8.sup.th to about the 10.sup.th thorax vertebrae. The strip may
also be positioned such that a person is lying with his sacrum on
the strip, with one end between the top of the sacrum and the
lowest lumbar vertebra. While using the strip, a person may perform
exercises to reduce the convexity of the upper thorax and the
concavity of the neck or to alleviate problems in the lower
spine.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] People commonly experience pain in the back, neck and
shoulders, the cause of which is mainly due to poor posture, i.e.
exaggerated inward curve of the neck and lower back and exaggerated
outward curve of the upper back. A main cause of poor posture is a
slouching position while seated, such as at school, during desk
work, at home or in a car. This exaggerated curvature of the spine
can ultimately lead to pathological conditions, such as herniated
inter-vertebral disks and dislocated vertebrae.
[0003] Herniated disks are often treated surgically, removing part
of or the entire inter-vertebral disk so the nerves are not
squeezed anymore. However, removal of the disk or part of it may
result in permanent damage to the vertebrae and ultimately lead to
the need to immobilize (fuse) the vertebrae with a steel pin or
other device. Treatment of dislocated vertebrae is often performed
by chiropractors, manipulating the vertebra into its natural
position. A problem, however, is that with this type of treatment
the action of the muscles is disregarded and in time the vertebra
will be pulled back to its old position.
[0004] Traditionally bad posture is treated with the use of a
corset, back braces or harness, to force the spine into a more
upright position. The adverse effect of using such contraptions is
that the muscles of the back deteriorate. The corset takes over the
supporting function of the muscles thereby resulting in weakening
of the muscles.
[0005] Bad posture can also be improved with practices such as the
Alexander Technique, Physical Therapy, the Feldenkrais Method,
Craneo Sacral Therapy, Yoga, Osteopathy and the like. These methods
all result in long term treatments and improvement of posture
depends greatly on the ability of the therapist and the input of
the person under going these therapies.
[0006] The present invention provides a device and method for self
treatment and prevention of poor posture and back and neck pain
caused thereby, by applying pressure for relatively short periods
directly and only on the vertebrae. By applying pressure directly
on the vertebrae they are mobilized and the curvature of the spine
is influenced. By applying pressure only on the vertebrae the
muscles on the side of the spine and the superficial muscles of the
upper back are able to relax, allowing a better blood supply and
activating them to support the new position of the spine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A pad in the form of a strip according to the present
invention may be used for back and neck correction or back and neck
alignment. The strip may also be used in the fields of yoga,
physiotherapy, body exercising, relaxation, and body posture
improvement to heal and prevent back or spinal problems.
[0008] The pad may be a flexible strip made from natural materials
or synthetic materials. During use, the strip may be positioned so
that the strip is beneath a person's head and one end of the strip
is positioned from about the 8.sup.th to the 10.sup.th thorax
vertebrae. The strip may also be positioned such that a person is
lying with his sacrum on the strip, with one end between the top of
the sacrum and the lowest lumbar vertebra. While using the strip, a
person may perform exercises. By using the strip, the convexity of
the upper thorax and the concavity of the neck are reduced. The
strip can also be used to alleviate problems in the lower spine and
the sacroiliac joint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a strip according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the strip of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of a person lying on a strip according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows the person of FIG. 3 performing an exercise
according an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows the person of FIG. 3 performing an exercise
according an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows the person of FIG. 3 performing an exercise
according an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a person lying on a strip and performing an
exercise according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a view of a person lying on a strip according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Due to certain body postures, caused for example by desk
work over long periods, the curve of the back of the thorax becomes
too convex. Thus, the shoulders hang forward and the curve of the
back of the neck becomes too concave, causing problems in the lower
back, upper back, and neck area.
[0018] According to the present invention, a pad in the form of a
compressible strip is used for vertebral alignment, back and neck
correction, or back and neck alignment. By using the strip, the
convexity of the upper thorax and the concavity of the neck are
reduced. The shoulders move backwards and the spine is able to
return to its natural curvature. The strip can also be used to
alleviate problems in the lower spine and the sacroiliac joint.
[0019] I. Structure and Composition of the Pad
[0020] The pad may be a flexible strip made of natural materials or
synthetic materials. In embodiments, the natural materials may
include, but are not limited to, wood, hemp, cocos, sisal, or other
natural fiber, natural rubber (latex rubber), wool, cotton, felt,
paper, cork, kapok, any combinations of these materials, and the
like. Synthetic materials used for making the flexible strip
include, but are not limited to plastics, petrol derivatives,
silicones, gels, combinations of these materials, and the like.
Exemplary of plastic and petrol derivative materials which may be
used are polystyrene and polyurethane foams. In preferred
embodiments, the strip comprises rubber foam (sponge rubber),
neoprene foam, EVA foam, PE foam, EPDM foam, silicon sponge rubber,
or synthetic felt.
[0021] The strip may be a unitary body as shown in FIG. 1 or may
comprise a body of one or more materials surrounded or encased by a
removable cover. The removable cover may be made, for example, of
cotton, silk, linen, synthetic fabric and the like. In additional
embodiments, the strip may be a flexible container filled with a
gas, a gel, or a liquid.
[0022] The strip may be made from any material having a density of
about 1 to about 60 pounds per cubic foot, more preferably about 8
to about 24 pounds per cubic foot, and most preferably about 10 to
about 15 pounds per cubic foot (ASTM D3575). In preferred
embodiments, the strip may be made from rubber foam having a
density of about 13 pounds per cubic foot.
[0023] The strip may be made from a material having a hardness from
about 20 to about 90 Duro OO, preferably about 40 to about 60 Duro
OO to ensure maximum support and maximum comfort (ASTM D2240). The
Compressive Force Deflection (CFD) of the material at 25%
deflection may be from 0.5 to about 50 psi, for example from about
2 to about 20 psi, preferably about 5 to about 15 psi, more
preferably about 7 to about 15 psi, and most preferably from about
9 to about 12 psi (ASTM D3575).
[0024] In embodiments, the strip may be about 8 inches to about 48
inches in length. The minimum length of the strip is such that it
is sufficiently long to cover the distance between the 10.sup.th
thorax vertebra and the back of the head. The maximum length is not
intrinsically dictated by the proper use of the strip. Preferably,
the strip is about 2 feet long.
[0025] The strip may be about 0.5 to about 6 inches in height. The
minimum height is such that the strip exercises pressure on the
vertebrae of the upper back while the muscles on the side of the
spine and the shoulder blades relax to the floor. The maximum
height is such that the lower back can still be placed flat on the
floor, ensuring proper stretching in the upper back and a stable
position. Preferably, the height of the strip is from about 1.25
inch (beginner model) to about 2.5 inches (advanced model).
[0026] The strip may be about 1 inch to about 8 inches in width.
The minimum width is such that the strip provides enough stability
when the spine is positioned on it. The maximum width is such that
the shoulder blades can relax freely to the floor. The shoulder
blades should not be positioned on the strip. The preferred width
of the strip is about 2.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the
strip is about 2.5 inches in height; about 2.5 inches in width; and
about 2 feet in length.
[0027] The strip may have rounded ends and at least substantially
flat top and bottom surfaces and side surfaces, as shown in FIG. 2.
In embodiments of the invention, the rounded ends may have a radius
of curvature of about 0.25 inch to about 3 inches, preferably about
0.3 inch to about 1.25 inch, most preferably about 1.25 inch. In
preferred embodiments, the radius may be 0.3125 to 0.625 inch for
the beginner model, and from 0.625 to 1.25 inch for the advanced
model. The rounded ends make the strip ambi-directional. The
rounded ends also ensure that the vertebra which is placed on the
end of the strip is not pushed inward too far and that it receives
a substantially even pressure. The rounded ends also provide a
pleasant feeling on the location of the back where the end of the
strip is placed. The radius of a circular segment of the rounded
ends can be from 0.25 to 0.5 times the height of the strip.
Preferably, the radius of the circular segment of the rounded end
is about 0.5 times the height of the strip. The cross-sectional
shape of the strip between the rounded ends may be rectangular or
square.
[0028] II. Use of The Strip
[0029] The strip according to the present invention is first laid
on a flat surface (e.g., a floor). One end of the strip is
positioned under the person's head and the other end of the strip
is positioned between the 8th and 10th thorax vertebra, as shown in
FIG. 3. After the person lies in this position, both legs may be
bent and positioned in a straight line with the rest of the body,
with the soles of both feet flat on the floor. The pelvis is
inclined upward so that the lower back is flat on the floor and the
person's arms may be resting on the floor. In embodiments, the
person may remain in this position for about 5 minutes to about 30
minutes.
[0030] By placing the vertebrae of the upper thorax directly on the
strip, the pressure of the weight of the body, thorax, shoulders
and arms, makes the vertebrae move inwards towards the chest. This
movement stretches the inter-vertebral ligaments and the spinal
muscles on the inside of the chest. The muscles on the back side of
the spine (M. longissimus and the M. spinalis) and the superficial
muscles of the upper back (M. trapezius) are able to relax, which
results in a better blood supply to these muscles. Relaxing the
upper back muscles and upper back vertebrae creates a pectoral
stretch and a backward movement of the shoulders, thus improving
the position of the shoulders.
[0031] Another effect of using the strip is the change of position
of the neck in relation to the upper back. By relaxing the
trapezius and mobilizing the upper back vertebrae, the neck
vertebrae are able to move towards the strip, stretching the
backside of the cervical spine ligaments and muscles and thus
reducing the concavity of the neck.
[0032] While on the flexible strip, an individual may do a variety
of exercises.
[0033] A. Exercise 1
[0034] While lying on the strip as shown in FIG. 3, a person may
hold an object, such as a belt (e.g., a piece of woven cotton
commonly used in hatha yoga), so that the space between both hands
is about 4 inches and the hands are positioned at about shoulder
length above the chest as shown in FIG. 4. The person may then
straighten his arms upwards and perpendicular to the floor, but not
fully stretched as shown in FIG. 5. Next, the person moves his arms
overhead towards the floor while lightly pulling the belt outward,
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0035] By giving pressure with the feet towards the lower back in
combination with contracting the abdominal muscles, the pelvis is
inclined upward. The lumbar spine moves towards the floor creating
a stretch on the ligaments and muscles of the backside of the
lumber vertebrae. This movement of the pelvis ensures sufficient
pressure on the vertebrae that are placed on the strip.
[0036] By moving the arms overhead, the point of biggest pressure
on the upper thorax vertebrae moves upwards and maximum stretching
of the spine is received vertebra by vertebra, from 10.sup.th
thorax (Th10) upward towards the first thorax (Th1). By moving the
point of maximum pressure higher up, the neck vertebrae are able to
move further towards the strip, thereby creating a stretch on the
muscles and ligaments on the backside of the cervical spine.
[0037] By pulling on the belt, the triceps are activated. This
force is transmitted to the shoulder blades enabling them to relax,
moving with the inside of the blades towards the strip and with the
outside of the blades towards the floor. This improves the position
of the shoulders.
[0038] B. Exercise 2
[0039] In another exercise according to the present invention,
while lying on the flexible strip as shown in FIG. 3, the person
pushes his pelvis up so that only the neck vertebrae and the back
of the head are touching the strip as shown in FIG. 7.
[0040] By lifting up the pelvis, the point of maximum pressure
moves towards the neck vertebrae. There are two points of maximum
pressure: cervical vertebrae C7 and the back of the head
(protuberantia occipitalis externa). The vertebrae between these
two points move towards the strip. The muscles and ligaments in
back of the neck are stretched and pressure on the intervertebral
discs is relieved.
[0041] C. Exercise 3
[0042] The strip can also be used to alleviate problems in the
lower spine and sacroiliac joint.
[0043] The strip is first laid flat on the floor. A person is then
positioned so that the sacrum rests on the axial length of the
strip. One end of the strip is positioned between the top of the
sacrum and the lower lumbar vertebra (L5), as shown in FIG. 8. In
FIG. 8 the lower arms are drawn in an upward position. This is done
only to show the position of the strip more clearly. Both legs may
be bent and positioned in a straight line with the rest of the
body, the soles of the feet hip width apart and flat on the floor
on the sides of the strip.
[0044] The back side of the neck is stretched. The arms may rest on
the floor. Tilt the pelvis upward by activating the abdominal
muscles so the vertebrae of the lower back move towards the floor.
A person can be in this position for 5 to 30 minutes.
[0045] By putting the sacrum on the strip, the muscles around the
lumbar vertebrae can relax and the lumbar vertebrae can start to
mobilize. Often the lowest lumbar vertebrae (L4 and L5) are too far
inward. This stretching helps to return the lower lumbar vertebrae
to their correct position. The second effect of putting pressure on
the sacrum is that the sacroiliac joint is relieved from its usual
pressure and allows any misalignment in the joint to correct
itself.
[0046] The exercises create space between vertebrae for proper disc
nourishment and healing. In addition, blood circulation in the
back, shoulders, and neck is improved.
* * * * *