Spinal Specific Postural Correction Devices

Orthotic devices which utilize spinal traction and when properly placed helps impart the desired lordotic shape in the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine of a person are disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to orthotic devices for a spine of a person. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to orthotic devices for a cervical spine, a thoracic spine, and a lumbar spine of a person.

2. Description of the Related Art

Postural dysfunction or poor posture is caused when a person's spine is positioned in unnatural positions, in which the curves of the spine are emphasized and this results in the joints, muscles and vertebrae being in stressful positions. This prolonged poor positioning results in a buildup of pressure on these tissues. A great number of people suffer from the negative effects of bad posture.

Painful conditions associated with poor posture are very common and back pain is the most frequent complaint but research shows neck, shoulder and arm pain has become increasingly widespread as a result of postural dysfunction. Ligaments in the spine may become shortened and tight due to poor posture habits and/or previous injuries. These shortened ligaments and soft tissues can make it difficult to maintain good posture which may contribute to increased muscle tension, headaches, and neck pain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides orthotic devices which utilize spinal traction and when properly placed helps impart the desired lordotic shape in the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine of a person.

The thoracic spine has a natural kyphosis or forward curvature. However, in cases of bad posture, it is increased more than normal so improving thoracic extension or improving spinal range of motion in extension is helpful to help offset the posture strain of the increased kyphosis. The orthotic devices of the present disclosure effectively stretch ligaments and other soft tissues and gently manipulate the spine to improve spinal intersegmental mobility and the ability to improve range of motion in spinal extension by improving the lordosis of the spine. The orthotic devices of the present disclosure also promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. When properly applied to the spine by a person laying supine over the orthotic devices of the present disclosure, the orthotic devices supply a specific force forwardly in the sagittal plane to apply an angular/circular traction to the specified region of the spine, e.g., the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and/or the lumbar spine of a person.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an orthotic device for a cervical spine and an upper thoracic spine of a person includes a base portion having a first base end and a second base end; a first protruding portion defining a first support surface configured to support the cervical spine at a first region, the first protruding portion spaced a first distance from the base portion; a second protruding portion defining a second support surface configured to support the cervical spine at a second region, the second protruding portion spaced a second distance from the base portion, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and a third protruding portion defining a third support surface configured to support the upper thoracic spine at a third region, the third protruding portion spaced a third distance from the base portion, wherein the third distance is less than the second distance.

In one configuration, the orthotic device tapers from the first base end to the second base end. In another configuration, the first support surface is a first convex surface. In yet another configuration, the second support surface is a second convex surface. In one configuration, the third support surface is a third convex surface. In another configuration, the orthotic device includes a fourth support surface between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion. In yet another configuration, the orthotic device includes a fifth support surface between the second protruding portion and the third protruding portion. In one configuration, the fourth support surface is a first concave surface. In another configuration, the fifth support surface is a second concave surface. In yet another configuration, the first protruding portion is located at the first base end. In one configuration, the third protruding portion is located at the second base end. In another configuration, the orthotic device includes a ramp portion spanning the second base end and the third protruding portion. In yet another configuration, the second protruding portion is located between the first protruding portion and the third protruding portion. In one configuration, the second region is spaced from the first region.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an orthotic device for a thoracic spine of a person includes a base portion having a first base end and a second base end; a first protruding portion defining a first support surface configured to support the thoracic spine at a first region, the first protruding portion spaced a first distance from the base portion; and a second protruding portion defining a second support surface configured to support the thoracic spine at a second region, the second protruding portion spaced a second distance from the base portion, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance.

In one configuration, the first support surface is a first convex surface. In another configuration, the second support surface is a second convex surface. In yet another configuration, the first protruding portion is located at the second base end. In one configuration, the second protruding portion is located at the first base end. In another configuration, the orthotic device includes a first ramp portion spanning the second base end and the first protruding portion. In yet another configuration, the first ramp portion extends upwards from the second base end at an angle of 45 degrees. In one configuration, the orthotic device includes a second ramp portion spanning the first base end and the second protruding portion. In another configuration, the second ramp portion extends upwards from the first base end at an angle of 70 degrees.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an orthotic device for a lumbar spine of a person includes a base portion having a first base end and a second base end; a first protruding portion defining a first support surface configured to support the lumbar spine at a first region, the first protruding portion spaced a first distance from the base portion; a second protruding portion defining a second support surface configured to support the lumbar spine at a second region, the second protruding portion spaced a second distance from the base portion, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; and a third protruding portion defining a third support surface configured to support the lumbar spine at a third region, the third protruding portion spaced a third distance from the base portion, wherein the third distance is less than the first distance, wherein the first protruding portion is located between the second protruding portion and the third protruding portion.

In one configuration, the first support surface is a first convex surface. In another configuration, the second support surface is a second convex surface. In yet another configuration, the third support surface is a third convex surface. In one configuration, the third protruding portion is located at the first base end. In another configuration, the second protruding portion is located at the second base end. In yet another configuration, the orthotic device includes a first ramp portion spanning the second base end and the second protruding portion. In one configuration, the first ramp portion extends upwards from the second base end at an angle of 60 degrees. In another configuration, the orthotic device includes a second ramp portion spanning the first base end and the third protruding portion. In yet another configuration, the second ramp portion extends upwards from the first base end at an angle of 45 degrees.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides orthotic devices which utilize spinal traction and when properly placed helps impart the desired lordotic shape in the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine of a person.

The thoracic spine has a natural kyphosis or forward curvature. However, in cases of bad posture, it is increased more than normal so improving thoracic extension or improving spinal range of motion in extension is helpful to help offset the posture strain of the increased kyphosis. The orthotic devices of the present disclosure effectively stretch ligaments and other soft tissues and gently manipulate the spine to improve spinal intersegmental mobility and the ability to improve range of motion in spinal extension by improving the lordosis of the spine. The orthotic devices of the present disclosure also promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. When properly applied to the spine by a person laying supine over the orthotic devices of the present disclosure, the orthotic devices supply a specific force forwardly in the sagittal plane to apply an angular/circular traction to the specified region of the spine, e.g., the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and/or the lumbar spine of a person.

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of orthotic devices of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS. 2-8 and 23, an orthotic device10for a cervical spine302and an upper thoracic spine304of a person300is illustrated. Referring toFIGS. 9-15 and 24, an orthotic device100for a thoracic spine306of a person300is illustrated. Referring toFIGS. 16-22 and 25, an orthotic device200for a lumbar spine308of a person300is illustrated. Referring toFIG. 26, different regions of a cervical spine302, an upper thoracic spine304, a thoracic spine306, and a lumbar spine308of a person300is illustrated.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, an orthotic device10for a cervical spine302and an upper thoracic spine304of a person300generally includes a base portion20, a first protruding portion22, a second protruding portion24, and a third protruding portion26. The base portion20has a first base end30and a second base end32.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, in one embodiment, the first protruding portion22defines a first support surface34that is configured to support the cervical spine302at a first region310. The first protruding portion22is spaced a first distance d1from the base portion20. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion22is spaced a first distance d1of 3.5 inches from the base portion20. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion22may be spaced other distances from the base portion20for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the first support surface34is a first convex surface36. Referring toFIGS. 2-8, the first protruding portion22is located at the first base end30. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion22has a diameter of approximately two (2) inches. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion22may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, in one embodiment, the second protruding portion24defines a second support surface38that is configured to support the cervical spine302at a second region312. Referring toFIGS. 23 and 26, the second region312of the cervical spine302is spaced from the first region310of the cervical spine302.

Advantageously, in this manner, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure supports the cervical spine302at two separate regions, i.e., the first region310and the second region312. A device that only supports the cervical spine at one region will cause extension of the mid cervical spine but also an increased forward flexion of the upper thoracic spine. Such a device that only supports the cervical spine at one region is not advantageous when trying to improve extension in the cervical spine because an increased kyphosis at the upper thoracic spine and cervicothoracic region can contribute to a forward head posture. Furthermore, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure supporting the cervical spine302at two separate regions also provides a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the cervical spine302. Also, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure helps keep the cervicothoracic region and upper thoracic region in a more neutral position which allows for a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the cervical spine302.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, in one embodiment, the second protruding portion24is spaced a second distance d2from the base portion20. In one embodiment, the second distance d2is less than the first distance d1. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion24is spaced a second distance d2of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 inches from the base portion20. In other embodiments, the second protruding portion24may be spaced other distances from the base portion20for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the second support surface38is a second convex surface40. Referring toFIGS. 2-8, the second protruding portion24is located between the first protruding portion22and the third protruding portion26. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion24has a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the second protruding portion24may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, in one embodiment, the third protruding portion26defines a third support surface42that is configured to support the upper thoracic spine304at a third region314.

Advantageously, in this manner, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure supports the spine301of a person300at three separate points of contact. In one embodiment, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure supports the spine301of a person300at three separate convex points of contact. Furthermore, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure supporting the cervical spine302at two separate regions and the upper thoracic spine304at a third region314also provides a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the cervical spine302. The orthotic device10of the present disclosure supporting the spine301of a person300at three separate points of contact provides an enhanced orthotic device advantageous over conventional devices. Also, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure helps keep the cervicothoracic region and upper thoracic region in a more neutral position which allows for a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the cervical spine302.

In one embodiment, the third protruding portion26is spaced a third distance d3from the base portion20. In one embodiment, the third distance d3is less than the second distance d2. In one embodiment, the third support surface42is a third convex surface44. In one embodiment, the third protruding portion26is located at the second base end32. In one embodiment, the third protruding portion26has a diameter of approximately one (1) inch. In other embodiments, the third protruding portion26may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the third protruding portion26is spaced a third distance d3of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches from the base portion20. In other embodiments, the third protruding portion26may be spaced other distances from the base portion20for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, in one embodiment, an orthotic device10for a cervical spine302and an upper thoracic spine304of a person300also includes a fourth support surface46and a fifth support surface50. In one embodiment, the fourth support surface46is located between the first protruding portion22and the second protruding portion24. In one embodiment, the fourth support surface46is a first concave surface48. The fifth support surface50is located between the second protruding portion24and the third protruding portion26. In one embodiment, the fifth support surface50is a second concave surface52.

Referring toFIGS. 2-8, in one embodiment, an orthotic device10for a cervical spine302and an upper thoracic spine304of a person300also includes a first ramp portion54that spans the second base end32and the third protruding portion26.

In some embodiments, the orthotic device10for a cervical spine302and an upper thoracic spine304of a person300may also include a second ramp portion56that spans the first base end30and the first protruding portion22.

Referring toFIGS. 2, 7, and 8, in one embodiment, the orthotic device10tapers from the first base end30to the second base end32. This taper helps accommodate the space between a person's shoulder blades in an efficient and comfortable manner. Advantageously, in this manner, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure helps keep the cervicothoracic region and upper thoracic region in a more neutral position which allows for a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the cervical spine302. The orthotic device10of the present disclosure supporting the spine301of a person300at three separate points of contact and having the above-described taper provides an enhanced orthotic device advantageous over conventional devices.

In one embodiment, the orthotic device10has an eight (8) inch width at the first base end30and a four (4) inch width at the second base end32. The base portion20tapers from the first base end30to the second base end32. In other embodiments, the orthotic device10may have other widths at the first base end30and other widths at the second base end32for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure is made of a four (4) pound cross-linked polyethylene foam. In one embodiment, the orthotic device10of the present disclosure is approximately 7.5 inches in length.

During use of the orthotic device10of the present disclosure, a person lays in a supine position over the orthotic device10such that the orthotic device10supplies a specific force forwardly in the sagittal plane to apply an angular/circular traction to the cervical spine302at two separate regions, i.e., the first region310and the second region312, and an upper thoracic spine304of a person300.

Referring toFIGS. 9-15, an orthotic device100for a thoracic spine306of a person300generally includes a base portion120, a first protruding portion122, and a second protruding portion124. The base portion120has a first base end130and a second base end132.

Referring toFIGS. 9-15, in one embodiment, a first protruding portion122defines a first support surface134that is configured to support the thoracic spine306at a first region320. The first protruding portion122is spaced a first distance d1from the base portion120. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion122is spaced a first distance d1of 3.5 inches from the base portion120. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion122may be spaced other distances from the base portion120for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the first support surface134is a first convex surface136. Referring toFIGS. 9-15, the first protruding portion122is located at the second base end132. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion122has a diameter of approximately three (3) inches. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion122may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Advantageously, in this manner, the first protruding portion122of the orthotic device100of the present disclosure supports and provides a circular traction stretch to a person's thoracic spine into extension.

Referring toFIGS. 9-15, in one embodiment, the second protruding portion124defines a second support surface138that is configured to support the thoracic spine306at a second region322. The second protruding portion124is spaced a second distance d2from the base portion120. In one embodiment, the second distance d2is less than the first distance d1. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion124is spaced a second distance d2of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches from the base portion120. In other embodiments, the second protruding portion124may be spaced other distances from the base portion120for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the second support surface138is a second convex surface140. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion124is located at the first base end130. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion124has a diameter of approximately two (2) inches. In other embodiments, the second protruding portion124may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Advantageously, in this manner, the second protruding portion124of the orthotic device100of the present disclosure provides a second support point that distributes a person's body weight over two support points, i.e., the first protruding portion122and the second protruding portion124, which thereby decreases the force of the stretch of the thoracic region. In this manner, the orthotic device100of the present disclosure supporting the thoracic spine306at two separate regions also provides a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the thoracic spine306.

Referring toFIGS. 9-15, an orthotic device100for a thoracic spine306of a person300also includes a first ramp portion154spanning the second base end132and the first protruding portion122. In one embodiment, the first ramp portion154extends upwards from the second base end132at an angle of 45 degrees.

Referring toFIGS. 9-15, an orthotic device100for a thoracic spine306of a person300also includes a second ramp portion156spanning the first base end130and the second protruding portion124. In one embodiment, the second ramp portion156extends upwards from the first base end130at an angle of 70 degrees.

In one embodiment, the orthotic device100of the present disclosure is made of a four (4) pound cross-linked polyethylene foam. In one embodiment, the orthotic device100of the present disclosure is approximately 8.5 inches in length. In one embodiment, the orthotic device100of the present disclosure is approximately 4 inches in width.

During use of the orthotic device100of the present disclosure, a person lays in a supine position over the orthotic device100such that the orthotic device100supplies a specific force forwardly in the sagittal plane to apply an angular/circular traction to the thoracic spine306, at two separate regions, of a person300.

Referring toFIGS. 16-22, an orthotic device200for a lumbar spine308of a person300generally includes a base portion220, a first protruding portion222, a second protruding portion224, and a third protruding portion226. The base portion220has a first base end230and a second base end232.

Referring toFIGS. 16-22, in one embodiment, the first protruding portion222defines a first support surface234that is configured to support the lumbar spine308at a first region330. The first protruding portion222is spaced a first distance d1from the base portion220. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion222is spaced a first distance d1of approximately 3.5 to 4.0 inches from the base portion220. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion222may be spaced other distances from the base portion220for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the first support surface234is a first convex surface236. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion222is located between the second protruding portion224and the third protruding portion226. In one embodiment, the first protruding portion222has a diameter of approximately two (2) inches. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion222may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Advantageously, in this manner, the first protruding portion222of the orthotic device200of the present disclosure supports the lumbar spine308and provides a circular traction stretch which extends the lumbar spine into a lordosis.

Referring toFIGS. 16-22, in one embodiment, the second protruding portion224defines a second support surface238that is configured to support the lumbar spine308at a second region332. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion224is spaced a second distance d2from the base portion220. In one embodiment, the second distance d2is less than the first distance d1. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion224is spaced a second distance d2of approximately 3.0 inches from the base portion220. In other embodiments, the second protruding portion224may be spaced other distances from the base portion220for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the second support surface238is a second convex surface240. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion224is located at the second base end232. In one embodiment, the second protruding portion224has a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the second protruding portion224may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Referring toFIGS. 16-22, in one embodiment, the third protruding portion226defines a third support surface242that is configured to support the lumbar spine308at a third region334.

Advantageously, in this manner, the orthotic device200of the present disclosure supports the lumbar spine308of a person300at three separate points of contact, i.e., at the first protruding portion222, the second protruding portion224, and the third protruding portion226. Furthermore, the three supporting portions222,224,226together act to distribute the force and the weight of a person300over three points when lying over the orthotic device200. In this manner, the orthotic device200of the present disclosure supporting the lumbar spine308at three separate regions provides a more comfortable device for a person300and provides a more effective extension stretch to the lumbar spine308. The design of the orthotic device200also allows the device200to be used as a seated lumbar support.

Advantageously, by having the first protruding portion222being the tallest supporting surface and being centrally located allows the orthotic device200to provide more stability and less sliding and shifting of the orthotic device200when a person's body weight is pressed down upon the orthotic device200. Furthermore, by having the first protruding portion222being the tallest supporting surface and being centrally located allows the orthotic device200to be used as a seated lumbar support since the orthotic device200provides more stability and less sliding and shifting of the orthotic device200.

In one embodiment, the third protruding portion226is spaced a third distance d3from the base portion220. In one embodiment, the third distance d3is less than the first distance d1. In one embodiment, the third protruding portion226is spaced a third distance d3of approximately 3.0 inches from the base portion220. In other embodiments, the third protruding portion226may be spaced other distances from the base portion220for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

In one embodiment, the third support surface242is a third convex surface244. In one embodiment, the third protruding portion226is located at the first base end230. In one embodiment, the third protruding portion226has a diameter of approximately two (2) inches. In other embodiments, the third protruding portion226may have other diameters for a desired application and/or person depending on their size.

Referring toFIGS. 16-22, in one embodiment, the orthotic device200also includes a first ramp portion254that spans the second base end232and the second protruding portion224. In one embodiment, the first ramp portion254extends upwards from the second base end232at an angle of 60 degrees.

Referring toFIGS. 16-22, in one embodiment, the orthotic device200also includes a second ramp portion256that spans the first base end230and the third protruding portion226. In one embodiment, the second ramp portion256extends upwards from the first base end230at an angle of 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, referring toFIG. 17, the second protruding portion224is located approximately two (2) inches from the second base end232and the third protruding portion226is located approximately 2.3 to 2.5 inches from the first base end230. Advantageously, this allows the orthotic device200of the present disclosure to be reversible, i.e., the orthotic device200can be rotated between two positions. For example, in a first configuration, the orthotic device200can be positioned as shown inFIG. 17, with the first base end230pointing downwards, e.g., towards the feet of a person. In this manner, the orthotic device200is able to more efficiently accommodate a taller person who will have a longer lumbar spine308. Furthermore, in a second configuration, the orthotic device200can be positioned as shown inFIG. 18, with the second base end232pointing downwards, e.g., towards the feet of a person. In this manner, the orthotic device200is able to more efficiently accommodate a shorter person who will have a shorter lumbar spine308. Advantageously, the orthotic device200of the present disclosure allows for customization and reversibility of the orthotic device200to accommodate people based on their height.

In one embodiment, the orthotic device200of the present disclosure is made of a two (2) pound cross-linked polyethylene foam. In one embodiment, the orthotic device200of the present disclosure is approximately 7.5 to 8.0 inches in length. In one embodiment, the orthotic device200of the present disclosure is approximately 10.0 inches in width.

During use of the orthotic device200of the present disclosure, a person lays in a supine position over the orthotic device200such that the orthotic device200supplies a specific force forwardly in the sagittal plane to apply an angular/circular traction to the lumbar spine308of a person300.

In some embodiments, an orthotic device of the present disclosure can also be used in a sitting position to help improve posture.

The present disclosure provides orthotic devices which utilize spinal traction and when properly placed helps impart the desired lordotic shape in the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine of a person.

The thoracic spine has a natural kyphosis or forward curvature. However, in cases of bad posture, it is increased more than normal so improving thoracic extension or improving spinal range of motion in extension is helpful to help offset the posture strain of the increased kyphosis. The orthotic devices of the present disclosure effectively stretch ligaments and other soft tissues and gently manipulate the spine to improve spinal intersegmental mobility and the ability to improve range of motion in spinal extension by improving the lordosis of the spine. The orthotic devices of the present disclosure also promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. When properly applied to the spine by a person laying supine over the orthotic devices of the present disclosure, the orthotic devices supply a specific force forwardly in the sagittal plane to apply an angular/circular traction to the specified region of the spine, e.g., the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and/or the lumbar spine of a person.