U.S. patent number 3,589,358 [Application Number 04/744,238] was granted by the patent office on 1971-06-29 for method and apparatus for treating back and neck syndromes in humans.
Invention is credited to Joseph J. Megal.
United States Patent |
3,589,358 |
Megal |
June 29, 1971 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING BACK AND NECK SYNDROMES IN
HUMANS
Abstract
Apparatus for treating back and neck ailments including a frame
having a body support member or table pivotally mounted thereon.
The table member has a foot-anchoring mechanism mounted thereon and
a drive means for pivoting the table on the frame. The patient is
placed on the table in either a horizontal or vertical position and
his feet are anchored to the table. The table is then pivoted by
the drive means to gradually place the spinal column in traction by
gravitational force as the patient's body is tilted to a position
wherein the head is moved below and the feet are moved above the
horizontal. Relief is usually obtained by tilting the patient to
about 30.degree.--45.degree. below the horizontal. The patient is
held in the tilted position for about 6 minutes and then returned
to an upright or horizontal position for about 1 minute. This
procedure is repeated approximately 4 times per individual
treatment.
Inventors: |
Megal; Joseph J. (Milwaukee,
WI) |
Family
ID: |
24991988 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/744,238 |
Filed: |
May 24, 1968 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
513149 |
Dec 9, 1965 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/244;
482/144 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H
1/0218 (20130101); A61H 2203/0493 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61H
1/02 (20060101); A61f 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/24,25,33,28,68--71
;5/62 ;108/6--8 ;272/33,49,55 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Trapp; L. W.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
513,149 filed Dec. 9, 1965.
Claims
I claim:
1. A therapeutic apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a body support member pivotally mounted on said frame;
foot-anchoring mechanism mounted on said body support member
adapted to hold and anchor the user's feet when said member is
pivoted on said frame; and
drive means for pivoting said body support member on said frame,
said drive means including a stationary gear member mounted on said
frame, a drive gear mounted on said body support member, and a
drive member mounted between said drive gear and said stationary
gear.
2. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 1 in which said drive
means further includes a reversible motor mounted on said body
support member and operatively connected to said drive gear.
3. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 2 in which said
reversible motor is controlled by a control switch mounted on said
body support member to facilitate control of the apparatus by the
user.
4. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 1 in which said drive
gear is driven manually by the user by means of a gear box
mechanism mounted on said body support member.
5. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 1 in which said
foot-anchoring mechanism includes a foot support member on which
the feet of the user rest when in upright position, a pair of heel
cups one for each foot, a strap member one for each foot positioned
to be tightened across the tops of the user's feet, and a
tightening mechanism for each strap, said tightening mechanism
including a tightening drum mounted on opposite sides of said body
support member, and a drum locking mechanism for each drum to lock
said drum in tightened position.
6. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 5 in which each of
said drum locking mechanisms includes a shaft on which a tightening
drum is rotatably mounted, a stationary braking member mounted
adjacent one face of each tightening drum, and a locking cam
pivotally mounted on one end of each shaft which when actuated will
force said drum into locking engagement with said braking
member.
7. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 1 in which said frame
includes a pair of A-frame members, the legs of which can be
pivoted together for ease of portability.
8. A therapeutic apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a body support member pivotally mounted on said frame;
foot-anchoring mechanism mounted on said body support member
adapted to hold and anchor the user's feet when said member is
pivoted on said frame, said foot support mechanism including a foot
support member on which said user is supported when in upright
position, a heel cup for each foot, a strap member for each foot
positioned to be tightened over the tops of the user's feet, and a
tightening mechanism for each strap, each tightening mechanism
including a tightening drum mounted on the side of said body
support member, and a drum-locking mechanism for each drum adapted
to lock said drum in tightened position; and
drive means for pivoting said body support member on said
frame.
9. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 8 in which said drive
means includes a stationary gear mounted on said frame, a drive
gear mounted on said body support member, and a drive member
mounted between said drive gear and said stationary gear.
10. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 9 in which said
drive means further includes a reversible motor and a control
switch mounted on said body support member, said motor being
operatively connected to said drive gear.
11. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 8 in which each of
said drum-locking mechanism includes a shaft on which a tightening
drum is rotatably mounted, a stationary braking member mounted
adjacent one face of each tightening drum, and a locking cam
pivotally mounted on one end of each shaft which when actuated will
force said drum into locking engagement with said braking
member.
12. A therapeutic apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a body support member pivotally mounted on said frame and adapted
to support a user's body thereon;
a foot-anchoring mechanism mounted on said body support member,
said foot-anchoring mechanism including a first foot support means
for supporting the user thereon when in a first position of said
body support member wherein the user's feet are below his head and
a second foot support means for supporting the user thereon when in
a second position of said body support member wherein the user's
feet are above his head, said second foot support means including a
strap member for each foot adapted to be tightened over each of the
user's feet and a tightening mechanism for each strap mounted on
said body support member at a location within easy reach of the
user's hands; and
drive means for pivoting said body support member back and forth
between said first and second positions.
13. A therapeutic apparatus according to claim 12 in which said
second foot support means further includes a pair of heel cups one
for each foot, said heel cups being curved to fit around the rear
of the foot and ankle of the user and being curved inwardly at the
top portion thereof to provide a heel receiving pocket to provide
firm and secure engagement with the user's feet and ankles.
14. A method of treating back and neck syndromes in humans
comprising the steps of:
positioning a patient on a pivotally mounted body support table
with his back against the member;
pivoting the table to the rear until the patient's head is tilted
below his feet slightly to permit easy sliding movement of the
patient on the table toward the head end of the table;
sliding the body toward the head end of the table;
attaching a head support member to the head;
pivoting the table forwardly to gradually place the user's spinal
column in traction by the force of gravity.
15. A therapeutic apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a body support member pivotally mounted on said frame and adapted
to support a user's body thereon;
a foot-anchoring mechanism mounted on said body support member,
said foot-anchoring mechanism including a first foot support means
for supporting the user thereon when in a first position of said
body support member wherein the user's feet are below his head and
a second foot support means for supporting the user thereon when in
a second position of said body support member wherein the user's
feet are above his head, said foot-anchoring mechanism being
removably mounted on said body support member to permit reversing
the position thereof to accommodate patients with either their back
or abdomen facing the body support member; and
drive means for pivoting said body support member between said
first and second position.
16. A therapeutic apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a body support member pivotally mounted on said frame, said body
support member adapted to support a user's body thereon and to
pivot on said frame whereby the user's feet are below his head in
some positions and the user's feet are above his head in other
positions; and
a foot-anchoring mechanism mounted on said body support member,
said foot-anchoring mechanism including a first foot support means
for supporting the user thereon when in a first position of said
body support member wherein the user's feet are below his head and
a second foot support means for supporting the user thereon when in
a second position of said body support member wherein the user's
feet are above his head, said second foot support means including a
strap member for each foot adapted to be tightened over each of the
user's feet and a tightening mechanism for each strap mounted on
said body support member at a location within easy reach of the
user's hands.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for
treating low back and neck syndromes in humans.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Back ailments, particularly among men, present an increasingly
serious health problem. It has been recognized that one effective
treatment for back ailments is to somehow place the spinal column
of the patient under traction. None of the prior art devices and/or
methods, to applicant's knowledge, has proven successful from the
stand point of effectiveness and/or acceptance by the medical
profession. As will be explained hereinafter the present method and
apparatus has, after experimentation by several orthopedic
surgeons, provided beneficial results in a great majority of
cases.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The principal object of this invention is to provide an improved
apparatus which will perform the required back tensioning safely,
efficiently, and at a reasonable cost. Another object is to provide
an effective method of using the apparatus.
The objects of this invention are attained by apparatus comprising
a portable frame structure having a body support member or table
pivotally mounted thereon. The body support member is provided with
a foot-anchoring mechanism of improved design adapted to hold and
anchor the user's feet when the member is pivoted on the frame.
Such foot-anchoring mechanism includes a foot support member on
which the feet of the user rest when in upright position and a pair
of specially designed heel cups, one for each foot. A strap member
is provided for each foot and positioned to be tightened across the
tops of the user's feet to hold the feet against the heel cups. A
belt-tightening mechanism is provided for each strap which includes
a tightening drum mounted on opposite sides of the body support
member at a location within easy reach of the user's hands and a
drum-locking mechanism for each drum to lock the drums in tightened
position. The anchoring mechanism not only provides a safe means
for holding the user on the body support member but, in addition,
is designed for ease of operation by the user himself thus
requiring no additional attendant for operation of the
apparatus.
The apparatus further includes a drive means for pivoting the body
support member on the frame. Such drive means includes a stationary
gear member mounted on the frame, a drive gear mounted on the body
support member, and a drive chain member mounted between said drive
gear and said stationary gear. The drive gear may be driven either
by an electric motor mounted on the body support member or manually
by means of a gear box mounted on the body support member. When a
drive motor unit is used a control switch is provided which is
positioned on the support member at a place convenient to the user
so that the user himself can readily operate the apparatus.
In use the user steps into the apparatus with his back positioned
against the body support member and his feet resting in the heel
cups provided. The foot straps are then tightened and locked in
place by the user and a chest strap is fastened in place. The user
then pivots the body support table to any desired position by
actuating the motor control (or manual gear box) in the proper
manner. As the body support table is pivoted the weight of the user
acts to gradually place the spinal column in traction. The degree
of tension can be accurately controlled by controlling the position
of the table. More specifically, best results are obtained by
tilting the patient to about 30.degree.-- 45.degree. below the
horizontal, holding the patient in such position for several
minutes, tilting the patient back to at least a horizontal position
and then repeating the procedure several times.
The body support member is further provided with an adjustable chin
strap above the user's head. In use the user steps onto the foot
support member but does not tighten the foot straps but proceeds to
tilt himself back to a substantially horizontal position wherein he
can easily slide himself on the board to slip into the chin strap.
He then tilts himself back toward the upright position to put the
desired degree of tension in his neck and upper spinal column.
A modified form of the apparatus particularly designed for
unambulatory patients is also disclosed herein. This embodiment is
designed to provide unobstructed access to the body support table
from at least one side to facilitate placement of a patient thereon
while in a prone position. This embodiment is also provided with a
specially designed foot anchoring mechanism which can be reversed
to accommodate patients with either their back or abdomen facing
the support table.
Other objects and advantages will be pointed out in, or be apparent
from, the description and claims, as will obvious modifications of
the several embodiments shown in the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the back-tensioning apparatus of
this invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary rear elevation view of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken along line
4-4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation view of a modified form of
the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary front elevation view of the structure shown
in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front elevation view showing the adjustable
chin strap mechanism;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation view showing the chin strap
mechanism;
FIG. 9, 10, 11 and 12 are partially schematic views showing the
various ways in which the apparatus may be used;
FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a modified version of the
apparatus (with parts broken away);
FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the foot anchoring
mechanism;
FIG. 15 is a fragmentary end elevation view of the foot anchoring
mechanism showing how it can be slidably removed as a unit;
FIG. 16 is an end elevation view similar to FIG. 15 but with the
foot anchoring mechanism in reversed position for use with a
patient lying on his abdomen; and
FIG. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation view taken along line 17-17
of FIG. 16.
Referring to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 1-4 show one embodiment
of the invention which includes a body support member or table 10
rotatably mounted on a frame 12. Frame 12 comprised of two sets of
A-frame members 14, the front leg of each vein pivotally connected
to bearing supports 16 and 18 by pivot pins 20. The A-frame members
14 are braced to each other by foldable cross brace members 22 and
24 and the two A-frames are interconnected across the front and
back by bracing members 26. Additional strengthening braces 28 are
also provided. It will be appreciated that the frame structure
described above can be readily collapsed for portability and
storage by simply pivoting cross brace members 22, 24 upwardly thus
causing the two legs of A-frames 14 to be pivoted toward each
other.
Support member 10 is pivotally mounted on the frame by means of a
channel member 30 to which the support member is bolted. Channel
member 30 in turn is pivotally mounted in bearings 32, 34 by stub
shafts 36 and 38.
In the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment the body support member or table 10 is
pivoted on the frame 12 by a drive mechanism 40. Such drive
mechanism is comprised of a combination motor unit and gear box 42
mounted on the back of the board which is drivingly connected to a
drive pinion gear 44. A driving connection between pinion 44 and
board 10 is provided by means of a chain member 48 and a stationary
gear member 50 of relatively large diameter which is welded or
otherwise secured to the bearing support 18.
Thus it will be seen that when the motor 42 is energized to rotate
drive pinion 44 in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG.
1, a driving movement will be imparted to the board 10 by the
action of chain member 48 and stationary gear 50. Such
counterclockwise rotation of the pinion will cause the board to be
pivoted in a backward or counterclockwise direction as indicated by
the arrows in FIG. 1.
The operation of drive motor 42 is controlled by a three-position
control switch 52 having an actuating lever 54. The switch is
designed to energize the motor in one direction when arm 54 is
actuated to one driving position and to energize the motor in the
opposite direction when the arm is actuated to the other position.
The two driving positions of arm 54 are shown in dotted lines in
FIG. 1. When the switch is positioned in the middle or neutral
position the motor will be deenergized. It should be noted that
both motor drive 42 and control switch 52 are mounted on member 10
to thus make it easy for the user himself to control the operation
of the apparatus.
To securely anchor and support the user's body on support member
10, a foot-anchoring mechanism 55 and a chest strap mechanism 56
are provided. The foot-anchoring mechanism 55 is comprised of two
separate identically constructed mechanisms, one for each foot.
Since these two mechanisms are of identical construction only one
will be described in detail herein. Each mechanism 55 includes a
heel cup 58 mounted on the body support member. Heel cup 58 (as
shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1 and in full lines in FIG. 2) is
curved to fit around the rear of the foot and ankle of the user and
is bent inwardly at the top portion thereof to provide a
heel-receiving pocket to provide firm and secure engagement with
the user's feet and ankles. A foot support 60 is provided across
the bottom of the board adjacent the heel cups 58 on which the
bottoms of the user's feet rest when the board is in its vertical
position as shown in the drawings. The feet of the user are
securely anchored in heel cups 58 on member 60 by means of strap
members 62. Each strap is anchored on the inside of the foot by
means of a bracket 64. The straps are reeved over a pair of rollers
66 and 68. Rollers 66 are mounted adjacent the stirrups and on the
outside thereof and rollers 68 are mounted adjacent the board 10 on
opposite sides thereof above the level of foot board 60 at a
position where they can be conveniently manipulated by the user
when he is on the table.
Straps 62 are tightened across the top of the user's feet by means
of a pair of tightening drums 70, the detailed construction of
which is shown in FIG. 3. Each drum 70 is rotatably mounted on a
bracket 72 bolted to opposite sides of the board 10 about at the
level at which the user's hands will be positioned when the user is
supported in the apparatus. Gripping handles 75 are provided on
each bracket 72 as shown in FIG. 1. The drums are rotatably mounted
on the brackets 72 by means of rod members 74 having nuts 76
threaded on one end thereof to hold the tightening drum 70 thereon.
A locking handle 78 is pivotally mounted on the other end of rod 74
by a pin 80. Locking cams 88 are formed at the base of each handle
as shown. Each bracket 72 is provided with a brake-lining member 82
mounted thereon between the bracket and one face 84 of the
tightening drum 70 as shown clearly in FIG. 3. Drum 70 is provided
with a turning knob portion 71 and rod 74 is prevented from
rotating by a key and slot arrangement 73 between the rod and
bracket 72.
With the parts shown in the FIG. 3 position, the spring 86 mounted
between the bracket and the drum will force the drum out of
engagement with brake-lining member 82 leaving the drum free to be
rotated by means of knob 71. Thus, with the parts so positioned
each strap member 62 can be tightened across the top of the foot by
rotating the drum 70 until the strap becomes tight. To lock the
parts in strap-tightened position, handle members 78 are pivoted
about pins 80 to cause cam members 88 to force face 84 on each drum
70 into tight engagement with the brake-lining members 82. The feet
of the user are thus securely anchored in the heel cups.
The chest strap means 56 is mounted between a pair of rod members
90 mounted on either side of the board at chest level. Straps 56
are slidable on rods 90 to permit vertical adjustment of the
straps. The chest straps are provided with a buckle 92 of any
suitable type which can be adjusted and locked into place across
the chest of the user.
The relative position between the foot-anchoring mechanism 54 and
the chest belt 56 can be adjusted as shown in FIG. 3. The
foot-anchoring mechanism is mounted for slidable movement with
respect to the board as a whole by means of telescoping channel
members 94 and 96 mounted on the foot support mechanism and the
board, respectively. The foot-anchoring structure can be moved with
respect to the board by means of a threaded rod 98 having a handle
100 mounted on one end thereof which, when rotated in a threaded
collar 102 fastened to a crossmember 103, will cause the foot
support 55 to move with respect to the board 10. The ends of rod 98
are journaled in brackets 105 and 107.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the board 10 is provided with an
adjustable chin-strap support mechanism 130 comprising a first
member 132 slidably mounted in a bracket 134 fastened to the rear
face of the board and a second member 136 slidably mounted in a
collar 138 mounted on the upper end of the first member and having
a hook portion 140 on which a medical-type chin strap 142 of
conventional design can be attached. The position of strap 142 can
be adjusted up and down and in and out from the board 10 by means
of adjustment knobs 144 and 146 on bracket 134 and collar 138,
respectively. The manner in which the chin strap mechanism is used
will be described hereinafter under the heading "Operation."
A modified drive mechanism 110 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Mechanism
110 is comprised of a gear box 112 mounted on board 10 by means of
a bracket 116. Gear box 112 is provided with an actuating handle
114 which is operatively connected to a drive pinion gear 118. Just
as in the FIGS. 1--4 embodiment, a driving connection between
pinion 118 and board 10 is provided by means of a chain member 120
and a stationary gear member 122 of relatively large diameter
mounted on bearing support 18.
To operate mechanism 110, the user simply rotates handle 114 in the
desired direction to thereby pivot board 10 on the frame.
A modified embodiment of the invention particularly designed for
unambulatory patients is shown in FIGS. 13--17. As shown in FIG.
13, a body support member or table 130 is rotatably mounted on a
frame 132 comprised of a pair of A-frame members 134, 134
interconnected by suitable cross braces 136. The frame is provided
with wheels 136 for improved portability of the unit. Support table
130 is pivotally mounted on frame 132 by means of a shaft 138
mounted between the top portions of A-frame members 134, 134. A
mounting bracket 140 fastened to the rear face of the table 130 is
rotatably mounted on shaft 138. It is significant to note at this
point that the level of the pivoted axis of the table (shaft 138)
is below the level of table 130 when in a horizontal position.
The table 130 is pivoted on frame 132 by means of a drive mechanism
142 mounted at one side of the table. The detailed construction of
drive mechanism 142 may be the same basic design as previously
described drive mechanism 40 and thus will not be described in
detail herein.
By pivotally mounting table 130 on the top of frame 132 in the
manner previously described, unobstructed access to the table from
at least one side thereof is provided to facilitate placement of a
patient thereon while in a prone position. The frame 132 may be
dimensioned to position table 130 (when horizontal) at the
approximate height of a hospital bed to facilitate movement of a
patient directly from his bed onto the table for treatment.
To anchor the patient's body on table 130, a foot-anchoring
mechanism 144 is provided. Mechanism 144 is comprised of a foot
support platform 146 on which the bottoms of the patients feet rest
as shown in FIG. 14. A pair of heel cups 148 are fastened to
platform 146 and are designed to fit around the heels and ankles of
the patient. The feet of the patient are securely anchored in heel
cups 148 on platform 146 by means of strap members 150. Each strap
150 is provided with a foot-engaging pad member 152 and is anchored
on the inside of the foot by means of brackets 154. The straps are
reeved under a pair of brackets 156 mounted on platform 144 on the
outside of heel cups 148 as clearly shown in FIG. 15. Straps 150
are tightened across the patient's feet by means of a pair of
tightened drums 158 mounted on platform 144 adjacent brackets 156.
The construction of drums 158 may be like previously described
drums 70 and thus will not be described in detail herein.
A unique feature of this embodiment is the reversibility of foot
anchoring mechanism to accommodate patients on table 130 while
lying on either their back or their abdomen. This is accomplished
by slidably mounting platform 144 on table 130 in a pair of channel
members 160 fastened to opposite edges of table 130 by means of
brackets 162. Channel members 160 are positioned to slidably
receive platform 144 in either the position shown in FIG. 15 or the
position shown in FIG. 16. A locking screw 164 in provided to
securely hold the platform in either of these two positions. Thus
with the platform positioned as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 a patient
lying on his back can be treated. When it is desired to treat a
patient while lying on his abdomen, the platform is simply removed
as shown in FIG. 15, reversed, and then reinstalled as shown in
FIG. 16.
OPERATION
To use the above-described apparatus the user will first adjust the
foot-anchoring mechanism 55 on board 10 to accommodate his
particular height. He will then step into the heel cups 58 on ledge
member 60 with his back against the board and with the board
positioned as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. He will then tighten the foot
straps 62 across the tops of his feet by manipulating belt drums 70
as previously described. When the straps are tight the drums are
locked in place by pivoting handles 78 in the direction shown by
the arrow in FIG. 4. With the feet securely anchored in place the
user will attach chest strap 56 across his chest and he will then
be ready to use the apparatus. The body support member with the
person thereon can be pivoted to any desired position by actuation
of switch control arm 54 (or handle 114). Normally the drive motor
will be energized to pivot the board slowly backwardly thus causing
the weight of the body to gradually be exerted by gravity on straps
62 and thus place the spinal column in traction. The degree of
traction can be accurately controlled by the position of the board.
For maximum traction the board is rotated 180.degree. from the
position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 9 in which
position the person on the board will be in completely inverted
position. The user, by rotating board 10 to various positions can
provide very valuable therapeutic treatment to his body. When the
treatment is completed the motor will be actuated in the opposite
direction causing the board to return to its original position. The
user will then stop the motor, unbuckle the chest belt, loosen the
foot straps, and step out of the apparatus.
It should also be noted that when desired the board 10 can be
rotated past the 180.degree. position of FIG. 9 to a position like
that shown in FIG. 10. When this type of treatment is desired the
strap 56 is adjusted downwardly on rods 90 so that it fits across
the hips of the user. With the belt thus positioned the user can
rotate the board to the FIG. 10 position and proceed to exercise
his back and stomach muscles while his spinal column is in
traction.
While as indicated, the apparatus may be used in various ways,
experience has verified that the preferred method is as follows.
All abdominal corsets and supports are removed prior to treatment.
With the patient lying on his back on the table his feet are
anchored thereon and a pillow is folded under the knees in order to
raise them off the table and thus reduce the lumbar curve. In acute
cases a hydrocollator pack of the cervical type is placed around
the neck in order to cause forward flexion and in less acute cases
a towel is rolled and placed under the neck posteriorly to cause
forward flexion which in turn tends to bring the spinal column to a
more natural position.
The table is then pivoted to a position wherein the head is moved
below and the feet are moved above the horizontal. Such tilting
action will gradually cause the spinal column to be placed in
traction by the force of gravity. Experience has established that
with most patients relief is usually obtained by tilting the
patient to about 30.degree.--45.degree. below the horizontal. When
relief is obtained the tilting movement is stopped and the patient
is held in such position for a period of about 6 minutes. The
patient is then returned to at least a horizontal position for
about 1 minute. The procedure is then repeated three to five times
per treatment. Patients are advised not to eat or consume liquids
one hour before a treatment because of possible undesirable gastric
reactions. Statistical studies have established that the procedure
described above will produce beneficial results in a great majority
(72 percent) of the patients treated.
An alternative use for the above-described apparatus is shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12. Such alternative use involves the tensioning of
the upper portion of the spinal column by the use of the chin-strap
mechanism 130. The straps involved are to first step onto the ledge
member 60 with the user's back against the board and with the board
positioned as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Chest strap 56 is buckled but
foot straps 62 are not tightened. The drive means is then actuated
to pivot the board back to a substantially horizontal position
(FIG. 11) wherein the user can easily slide himself on the board to
enable him to slip his head into the chin strap 142. It will be
noted that the chin-strap mechanism has been adjusted beforehand to
a position wherein the strap will hang at an elevation somewhat
above the head of the user when he is standing on ledge 60. With
the chin strap in place on the user he simply actuates the board
back toward the upright position to thereby place his upper spinal
column in traction to whatever degree is desired. Maximum traction
is provided in the substantially vertical position like that shown
in FIG. 12.
It will be appreciated that the entire treatment described above
can be easily performed by the user without the help of any
additional attendants. The foot straps can be tightened by the user
without undue stretching and straining and once tightened provide a
safe effective anchoring means for the body when the apparatus is
used. The same is true of the chin strap 142. Furthermore, it will
be noted that the apparatus is not excessively bulky or heavy and
can be folded for ease of portability when desired.
The procedure followed in the use of the FIG. 13 --17 embodiment is
essentially the same as that employed in the FIG. 1--4 embodiment
except that in the former the patient is placed on the table in a
prone position and helped by an attendant as necessary to anchor
his feet and to position his knees and head as required.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *