142results about How to "Relieve back pain" patented technology

Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain of a patient by denervation of an intervertebral disc or a region of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the controlled application of heat to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the invention may include a procedure combining both decompression of a disc, and denervation of the annulus fibrosus. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument in at least close proximity to an intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein nervous tissue within the annulus fibrosus is inactivated, and discogenic pain of the patient is alleviated. In one embodiment, the invention includes positioning a first electrode of a dual-shaft electrosurgical instrument at a first location in relation to a target disc, positioning a second electrode of the instrument at a second location, and applying a high frequency voltage between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on separate shafts of the instrument.

Apparatus and methods for treating a target tissue by delivering a fluid at a defined temperature to a patient's body. An apparatus of the invention includes a fluid delivery unit for delivering fluid in at least close proximity to the target tissue, an aspiration unit for withdrawing the fluid, and a fluid source unit for providing the fluid at the defined temperature. A method of the invention includes forming a void in at least close proximity to the target tissue, and circulating a preheated fluid through the void, wherein the target tissue undergoes adjustment from body temperature to a treatment temperature due to heat exchange between the fluid and the target tissue.

Apparatus and methods for treating back pain of a patient by denervation of an intervertebral disc or a region of the posterior longitudinal ligament by the controlled application of heat to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the invention may include a procedure combining both decompression of a disc, and denervation of the annulus fibrosus. In one embodiment, a method of the invention includes positioning an active electrode of an electrosurgical instrument in at least close proximity to an intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode, wherein nervous tissue within the annulus fibrosus is inactivated, and discogenic pain of the patient is alleviated. In one embodiment, the invention includes positioning a first electrode of a dual-shaft electrosurgical instrument at a first location in relation to a target disc, positioning a second electrode of the instrument at a second location, and applying a high frequency voltage between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first and second electrodes are disposed on separate shafts of the instrument.

The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, nutrients and oxygen transporting through the endplates diminish. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered through a pedicle or vertebral body into the intervertebral disc to re-establish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to slow, stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. Endplate plugs may be deployed to seal gaps between the conduits and the endplates to prevent immune responses to the nucleus pulposus and to preserve the hydrostatic pressure within the disc.

A posture-supporting, spine-aligning garment to support and correct body alignment and general positioning in its wearer-users; the garment being aesthetically pleasing. Posture-support, spine-align shirt with “Backboard” Technology is designed to alleviate back pain by promoting proper lumbar and thoracic alignment, core stabilization, corrective shoulder positioning, and upper body support. Posture-support spine-align garment system comprises an upper body apparel assembly having an elastic retention system; flexible stretch bands; anchors; a backboard, spine-specific support; and at least one fabric cover. The device may be manufactured with all or without one or more of the mentioned items. Posture-supporting, spine-aligning garment may comprise a posture shirt in preferred embodiments.

A system for restoring muscle function to the lumbar spine to treat low back pain is provided. The system may include electrodes coupled to an implantable pulse generator (IPG), a handheld activator configured to transfer a stimulation command to the IPG, and an external programmer configured to transfer programming data to the IPG. The stimulation command directs the programmable controller to stimulate the tissue in accordance with the programming data. The system may include a software-based programming system run on a computer such that the treating physician may program and adjust stimulation parameters.

A seat cushion for reducing back pain via elevating specific areas of a user's posterior and back is provided. The seat cushion includes two outer sections of generally semicircular shape and first height, each having a lower layer of firm foam of first thickness and an upper layer of soft foam of second thickness, the first thickness exceeds the second thickness, an inner section of generally rectangular shape with length and width and second height less than the first height, the inner section extends lengthwise between the outer sections forming a channel above the inner section and between the outer sections, a cushion base provides support for the underside of the outer sections and inner section, whereby for the user sitting on the seat cushion, a specific area of the user's posterior and back aligned with the channel is elevated above the channel to relieve pressure on the specific area.

The present invention includes an ergonomic chair that is useful for people who sit for an extended period of time at work, in avoiding work station related back pain and neck pain. The present invention incorporates a hemispherical seat which can be locked in position and comprises a fixed inner hemisphere, a movable outer hemisphere, and a shroud. The support pole where the inner hemisphere is bolted into absorbs the load from the user, and the outer hemisphere equipped with hydraulic or pneumatic resistance devices and attached to the tension springs provides a balanced movement of the chair. Accordingly, while sitting on the chair, the present invention allows no deformation on the rigid hemispherical seat, and keeps the spine of the user in a desirable alignment, further improving the internal function of the user's organs. The present invention can also be used as an office stretch GYM ball.

A combination gravity inversion exercise machine and abdominal crunch exercise machine which enables a user to perform both exercises in one machine. The machine enables a user to save exercise floor space and perform the two different exercises on the same machine to thereby make an exercise session more efficient. The machine combines the features of a gravity inversion machine which enables a user to lie inverted for a period of time to take pressure off the back muscles and also has the features of an abdominal crunch which enables a user to exercise and tighten stomach muscles.

Many law enforcement officers have lower back problems arising from the habitual wearing of what is generally known as a “Sam Browne” duty belt. Workmen's Compensation now presumes any lower back ailment suffered by a law enforcement officer was caused by a duty belt; and consequently, automatically covers such back problem. A duty belt seat accessory for minimizing excessive pressure on the lower back of a law enforcement officer when he wears a duty belt is disclosed. The seat accessory comprises: a lower back portion having a minimal thickness; an upper back portion having a thickness generally exceeding the thickness of the lower back portion and the equipped duty belt; and, a strap to maintain the back portion in an upright position adjacent to a seat. When the officer leans back his back is supported largely by the upper back portion of the seat accessory and there is no excessive back pressure on his lower back as a result of the equipped duty belt he is wearing.

Methods and devices to treat discogenic lumbar back pain are disclosed. Electrodes are implanted within the anterior epidural space of the patient. A pulse generator that is connected to the electrodes delivers electrical impulses to sympathetic nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) of the lumbar spine and outer posterior annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc. In alternate embodiments, energy directed to nerves in the PLL may be from light or mechanical vibrations, or the nerves may be cooled. The electrodes may also be used diagnostically to correlate spontaneous nerve activity with spinal movement, fluctuations in autonomic tone and the patient's experience of pain. The electrodes may also be used to generate diagnostic evoked potentials. The diagnostic data are used to devise parameters for the therapeutic nerve stimulation. Automatic analysis of the data may be incorporated into a closed-loop system that performs the nerve stimulation automatically.

A portable forward leaning seating device to be used on a bleacher at sporting events to provide the user with superior support to that portion of his back which is most susceptible to fatigue and pain. The device consists of a padded seat (10) attached to a seat frame (12) which is securely attached to the bleacher by a spring loaded hook (42). The user sits on the padded seat (10) by facing the sporting event with the adjustable vertical support sleave (14) positioned between the user's thighs. The user rests his arms on the padded horizontal arm rests (16) which are positioned using the adjusting knob (32) and spring loaded tab (38) in such a way to provide comfortable support to the torso of the user in a forward leaning fashion. The lock clasp (20) serves to lock the vertical support armature (18) securely in place.