143results 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 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.

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 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.