Abstract:
The present technology is the use of the combination to treat a patient and the treatment of a patient. Sine waves are generated digitally by the combination. Data validation is used to ensure correct directional alignment prior to device activation. Patient safety and consistency in treatment protocols are considered in the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment design. A patient is treated with smooth sinusoidal waveform with a force of about 8 N to about 12.2 N with a Z-axis of acceleration (shear acceleration) of about 0.5 g to about 5g at about 5 Hertz (Hz) to about 200 Hertz. Treatment conditions can be varied depending upon the size of the patient, which includes human and veterinary patients. The method is non-invasive.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/599,295, filed Apr. 23, 2008 which is a continuation of PCT/CA05/00353, filed on Mar. 8, 2005 both entitled Spinal and Upper Cervical Impulse Treatment and Device, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present technology is related to an apparatus and uses of the apparatus for spinal intervention in the treatment of patients. More specifically, the technology relates to a non-invasive treatment using an impulse delivery device and the apparatus therefor. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Disc Degeneration: 
     Chronic back pain is a significant health problem associated with degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Traditionally, treatment is varied and focused on the symptoms instead of at the root of discogenic back pain, the disc itself. The more conservative approaches include general exercise, specific conditioning of back and abdominal muscles to help stabilize hyper-mobile regions, spinal manipulation to increase the range of motion for hypo-mobile regions, massage therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The more invasive treatments involve the use of medications such as analgesics, opiates, anticonvulsant agents, or antidepressants; minimally invasive treatments such as acupuncture, epidural, and facet joint corticosteriod injections, and spinal nerve blocking techniques. The most invasive treatments involve surgical intervention, ranging from microdiscectomy and spinal fusion to laminectomy. 
     Despite the multitude of treatments and clinical studies, discogenic back pain still remains one of the most elusive ailments of our time and lacks standardized guidelines for treatment that uniformly achieve acceptable results. In fact, within the framework of evidence-based medicine, the best treatment for discogenic back pain remains cognitive intervention combined with physical exercises specific for stabilizing the spine. 
     The mechanical properties of the intervertebral discs play an important role in their functionality. Disc degeneration is often characterized by reduced disc height and increased stiffness, leading to bulging or herniation which can create pressure on the radiating nerves and spinal cord. The dominant treatment at present is spinal fusion, wherein two or more adjacent vertebral bodies are physically locked together using bone graft or instrumentation. While this procedure often successfully eliminates stenosis and restores disc height, thus reducing nerve pressure, degeneration of adjacent motion segments is a common long-term complication through negative changes in joint dynamics. 
     Mean Axis of Rotation: 
     Patients with neck pain typically do not exhibit obvious abnormalities in plain neck radiographs. Noting the lack of effectiveness of neck range of motion investigations, investigators began exploring the notion of the quality of motion of the cervical vertebrae, they reasoned that while range of motion may be normal, abnormalities of the cervical spine might be revealed by abnormal motion patterns within individual joints. When a cervical vertebra moves from full flexion to full extension, its path appears to lie along an arc whose center lies somewhere below the moving vertebra, this center is called the mean axes of rotation [MAR] or Instantaneous Axis of Rotation [IAR] and its location can be determined using geometry. van Mameren et al. (1992) showed that in contrast to cervical range of motion, a given MAR can be reliably calculated within a small margin of technical error ( 11 ). 
     Abnormal Mean Axes of Rotation: 
     Abnormal MARs were investigated by Amevo et al. (1992), who studied  109  patients with post-traumatic neck pain ( 13 ). The MAR locations were subsequently compared with previously determined normative data. It emerged that 72 percent of the patients with neck pain exhibited at least one abnormally located cervical MAR. The relationship between axis location and pain was highly significant statistically [P&lt;0.001]. However, there was no evident relationship between the segmental level of an abnormally located MAR and the segment found to be symptomatic on the basis of provocation discography or cervical zygapophysial joint blocks. 
     Gene Expression in the Nucleus Pulposus: 
     The intervertebral discs (IVDs) provide mobility and a degree of shock absorbance to the spinal column. They also transmit forces between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent direct contact between the bones. It has been shown that the mechanical properties of the intervertebral discs play an important role in their functionality. Disc degeneration is often characterized by reduced disc height and stiffness, resulting in pressure on the radiating nerves. The dominant surgical treatment at present is spinal fusion, wherein two or more adjacent vertebral bodies are physically locked together using bone graft or instrumentation. While this procedure often successfully restores disc height and allows for the return of a pain-free lifestyle, degeneration of adjacent motion segments (adjacent segment disease) is a common long-term complication. While initially thought to be a rare event, adjacent segment disease is becoming more of a concern. One current theory states that by fusing dynamics of the joint, they are altered in a way that affects the healthy discs next to the fused segment, likely by altering loading and kinematics on these adjacent discs. 
     Vibration Treatment: 
     Vibration treatment has been used for centuries for the treatment of various ailments. Initially, treatment was provided with bare hands. As it became evident that a more controlled method of treatment was needed, devices and protocols were developed to provide a controlled vibration. As a result, we now have methods for increasing bone density, for reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis and soft tissue injury and for reducing lower back pain, to name a few. For example, McLeod (5376065) disclosed that sinusoidal waves having a frequency of 10-110 Hz with an amplitude of 0.01-2 mm and an acceleration of 0.05-0.5 g can improve bone density in patients. Mathes (US Publication No. 20100121131) disclosed that any waveform ranging in frequency from 1-146 Hz with an acceleration of 0.05-0.5 g can reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and soft tissue injury. Desmoulin et al. (Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, Vol 15, 3 pp 91-105) and Desmoulin et al. (Clinical Journal of Pain, Vol 23, 7, 576-585) disclosed the use of the Khan Kinetic Treatment (KKT) for reducing lower back pain. The treatment involved vibration at 80-120 Hz with a maximum displacement of 5 mm, however, it was suggested that the frequency could range from 20-300 Hz. The treatment device used is disclosed in Khan et al. (US Publication No. 20080312724), which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The device delivers multiple impulses of variable frequency and variable force in a linear direction, as well as rotational forces, for patient treatment. The apparatus produces smooth sinusoidal waveforms ranging from 50 to 110 Hz for treatment of spinal and upper cervical vertebrae. 
     SUMMARY 
     In order to provide highly repeatable and accurate treatment of the skeleton, and more specifically the spine, an assembly is provided. The assembly comprises: 
     a body imaging device for creating images of a plurality of spinal vertebrae of the patient; 
     a processor for determining a treatment vector; 
     a device for treating the patient, the device comprising a stylus, a controller and an actuator for driving the stylus in a linear direction, the device configured to: 
     
         
         
           
             allow for alignment of the stylus on the treatment vector and placement on a vertebrae of the patient; 
             provide a repetitive sinewave impulse of having a force of about 5.5 N to about 12.2 N with a shear acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 50 at about 5 Hertz (Hz) to about 175 Hertz. The assembly preferably includes a treatment table. The device preferably is configured to provide a frequency sweep of about 50 to about 110 Hz with an acceleration of about 0.5 g, at a force of 10.3 Newtons (N). 
           
         
       
    
     In another embodiment, a use of the device in the treatment of a patient is provided. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of treating a patient in need thereof is provided, comprising: 
     imaging a plurality of spinal vertebrae; 
     determining a treatment vector; 
     locating a spinal vertebrae; 
     aligning a stylus along the treatment vector and positioning it on a vertebrae of the patient; and providing a repetitive sinewave impulse of a force of about 5.5 N to about 12.2 N with a shear acceleration of at most about 5 g at about 50 Hertz (Hz) to about 175 Hertz to the vertebrae. 
     In another embodiment, a method of promoting disc health is provided. The method comprises exposing at least one intervertebral disc to a repetitive sinewave impulse at a force of about 5.5 N to about 12.2 N, each sinewave impulse having an acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 5 g, at 16 Hz followed by a sweep between about 50 to about 80 Hz. 
    
    
     
       FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of the overall, stand, armature and device head, shown in relation to a patient being treated and a remote computer used to determine automated treatment parameters; 
         FIG. 1A  is a top view of the apparatus in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the device head, incorporating a controller with a local user interface, a transducer and stylus, where the latter applies impulses to a patient body; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of the safety coupling incorporated in the stylus in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the device head; 
         FIG. 4  is a comparison of a sinusoidal versus square waveform; 
         FIG. 5  is a sinusoidal waveform with linearly increasing frequency; 
         FIG. 6  is a linear frequency ramp and the waveform at the transition point; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of angular or directional alignment in three dimensions; 
         FIG. 8  is a comparison of actual alignment and preset treatment direction; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart of the treatment process employing the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the assembly of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Device Mounting and Device Head Components 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a stable stand  30  supports an arm or armature component  16 , which in turn supports the impulse treatment device head  28 . Arm  16  is slidably enclosed by sleeve  19 . The stand  10  can raise or lower the arm  16  by a large retractable piston or linear actuator  12  that is operator controlled. The arm  16  is mounted at the top of the stand&#39;s piston  12  at a complex joint with three degrees of freedom, called the stand coupling  14 . The stand coupling  14  allows the arm  16  to rotate in a horizontal plane, creating a yaw angle. The transducer head can tilt in this direction but the arm cannot. Last, the stand coupling  14  allows a tilt of the aim  16  off the horizontal plane, creating a roll angle. The aim  16  slides forward and back in sleeve  19  relative to the stand  10 . Releasing a lock  21  allows arm  16  to rotate within sleeve  19 . A groove in arm  16  and a biased ball bearing in the interior cylindrical surface of sleeve  19  pauses arm  16  to encounter the resistance of having to move the ball bearing out of the groove in arm  16  when rotating arm  16  relative to sleeve  19 . A yoke  18  has two arm components, which curve around and attach to the device head  28  by means of dual pivot points  20  on either side of the device head  28 . The yoke  18  is supported by arm  16 . The yoke  18  is best seen in the top view of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A . There is a manual locking mechanism  17  close to the pivot point  20  on one side of the device head  28 . A touch screen  26  at the top of the device head  28  displays a user interface which is used for device positioning and control. 
     A collapsible stylus  30  protrudes from the device head  28  and its end point  34  is used to deliver impulses to a predetermined contact point  35  on a patient&#39;s body  32 . The point of contact  35  may be the top or atlas vertebra, behind the ear, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The patient  32  is lying on a bed  44  and the desired contact point  35  is in a fixed location. The many components and degrees of freedom of the device head  28  mounting scheme described above in combination, allow positioning of the linear axis  36  of the device head  28  and collapsible stylus  30  in any direction in three dimensions (3D), while simultaneously keeping the end of the stylus end  34  at a desired fixed location in 3D. For treatment, this fixed location is the contact point  35  on the patient  32 . 
     At the time of treatment, the linear axis of the stylus is in any selected angle  36  in 3D, and this angle is calculated relative to the vertical direction  8  in the preferred embodiment. Angular control is explained below. 
     Also shown on  FIG. 1  is a remote computer  40 , which may be in any location and is not necessarily close to the treatment area. Patient data from x-rays and overlaid drawings or other drawings are digitized and input to the remote computer  40  by means of a graphics tablet  42  peripheral. Calculations are made in the remote computer  40  on the raw data and operating parameters are derived. These parameters are sent to the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device by means of any data communications link  38 , such as a serial data link or wireless link. The types of links are not limited. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the device head  28  includes a shielded enclosure  62  or housing, designed to conform to EMI standards. A power supply has been removed from the view in  FIG. 2 . The main components of the device head  28  are a controller  22  section, a transducer  24  section, and the collapsible stylus  30 . The controller section includes a touchscreen  26 , which displays a user interface and an electronics motherboard  70  (see  FIG. 3 ). The transducer  24  section includes a voice actuator, a stepper motor and other parts to connect them to the collapsible stylus  30 . A linear voice coil actuator  52  is attached at the top of the collapsible stylus  30  axis and is used to deliver sinusoidal impulse waveforms along the collapsible stylus  30  linear axis. A large gear  54  holds the collapsible stylus  30  in position along its longitudinally extending axis. The large gear  54  is movable in the axial direction, allowing easy linear motion, but is rigid torsionally. A flexible belt  56  having a toothed surface on one side which engages the large gear  54  is driven by a rotational stepper motor which causes the flexible belt  56  to rotate through a precise angle to deliver a required amount of rotational motion to the collapsible stylus  30  during the time it contacts the patient. Sensors are employed in conjunction with the movement of the belt to limit the angle through which the probe can move. A constant torque is provided by the stepper motor. The voice coil actuator is a precision audio component and is readily commercially available. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates additional components of the device head, as needed for an electronic device. An optional cooling fan  72  is shown on the right and a large heat sink  76  and power supply  74  are shown on the left. The large heat sink  76  is connected to the transducer frame  60  to dissipate transducer heat and it is connected to the power supply  74 , another heat source in the device. The heat sink is aluminum and relatively light for its size, but weight is not a major issue, since the device head is mounted on a fixed stand. The size of the heat sink enables excellent heat dissipation, which is a concern in a medical device. A controller  22 , comprised of a touchscreen  26  and electronics motherboard  70 , is shown at the top. Components may appear in alternate locations in different device embodiments, although a shielded housing  62  will always be on the outside. The collapsible stylus  30  will always have a linear axis with a measured direction and this will most often be placed approximately along the centerline of the transducer  24  component. 
     Safety Coupling 
     A safety coupling  64  is incorporated along the stylus  30  linear axis as shown in  FIG. 2 . The safety coupling  64  is an important component, for patient safety, since the patient contact point and stylus end  34  are both in fixed locations in space. The safety coupling allows the stylus to collapse by up to one inch under a moderate applied force in the linear axis, however, the force must exceed the normal treatment force. This safety coupling on the stylus is referred to as the ‘collapsible stylus’. The safety coupling  64  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 2A . The stylus is comprised of two separate parts, namely an outer sleeve  79 , at the top of the safety coupling  64 , and a lower stylus tube  30 , which fits into the safety coupling sleeve  79 . The range of motion  66  of the stylus tube  30  in the sleeve  79  is approximately one inch and is sufficient to avoid injury due to sudden movements by the patient. The range of motion  66  is controlled by a guide pin  78  and slot arrangement, which are also visible in  FIG. 2 . The degree of force needed to cause stylus  30  to collapse is controlled by an o-ring  77  which presses three steel, balls  67  against the walls of the stylus tube. The three steel balls  67  are at 120 degree angles to one another, as shown in the horizontal cross-section of the o-ring on the right side of  FIG. 2A . During normal operation, the three steel balls  67  press into three spherical indents  65  along the stylus tube  30  wall creating a firm contact, so that the sleeve  79  and stylus tube  30  move in tandem. A sufficient force will allow the three steel balls  67  to expand the o-ring  77  so that the balls pop out of the indents  65 . The stylus tube  30  then collapses upward into the safety coupling sleeve  79  which incorporates a Hall effect sensor which senses the collapsed position and turns the machine off. The stylus tube  30  is reset manually by pulling on the stylus end  34  until the balls clicks into place. As an additional safety feature, arm  12  cannot be lowered any further into stand  10  once the stylus tube  30  has been collapsed. In addition, the collapsing of the stylus tube  30  shuts off the machine. 
     Another safety feature is a deadman switch  33  that is operated by the patient to stop the machine in the event of any malfunction. 
     Transducer and Waveform Characteristics 
     Transducer  24  design within the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device is also aimed at greater accuracy and consistency of operation than available in known devices. Voice coil actuators  52  and  58  are used for both linear and rotational movements, enabling greater accuracy. These components are selected for stability over a range of operating temperatures and may be calibrated at the time of manufacture. Displacement sensors and precision clocks (crystal oscillators) may be used to monitor performance and make dynamic adjustments, as directed by the controller  22 , to ensure that calibration is maintained. 
     Sinusoidal waveforms are used for both linear and rotational impulses. A typical, sine wave  80  is shown in the top half of  FIG. 4 . The smooth nature of the curve is noted, in contrast to the abrupt, and imperfect square wave  82  below. The smooth sinusoidal waveform is judged to be superior for medical applications. The accepted industry technique for generating analog waveforms, and sinusoidal waveforms  80  in particular, is known as Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Creation of analog waveforms using PWM and low pass filters is well known and well documented. Many companies manufacture and sell controllers or microprocessors that incorporate waveform tables and supply cookbook descriptions of analog waveform generation. Practical low pass filter circuits and their characteristics are included in the documentation. In brief, a high frequency digital output has its duty cycle modified to reflect an analog data value, like a point on a sine wave. This PWM pulse then travels through a low pass filter. The resultant signal carries the desired analog waveform, without use of a digital to analog converter (DAC). The impulse frequencies sought in the current invention are low, and a simple one-stage low pass filter, comprised of a resistor and capacitor, is sufficient to obtain a sine wave  80 . 
     Complex waveforms may be derived from multiple frequencies and these are limited in practice only by the performance characteristics of the voice coil actuators. Precision audio voice coils  52  and  58  will typically operate in the range of 20 Hz to 40 KHz, as designed for stereo equipment and any complex waveform in that range may be produced and implemented in the ICID. The amplitude of the waveform is also selected by the practitioner and represents the impulse energy to be delivered during treatment. Maximum amplitude  96  and high end frequency are set for safety purposes. At present, the Latter is set at 200 Hz. 
     The sinusoidal waveform selected for the current invention increases linearly in frequency as a function of time, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Because of its audio characteristic, this waveform is called a chirp. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the chirp starts with one cycle at 50 Hz 90, followed by cycles at 51 Hz 92, 52 Hz 93, and so on up to 99 Hz 98 and 100 Hz 100. At that time, the frequency resets to 50 Hz and the process starts again. The result is a linear frequency ramp as a function of time, as shown in  FIG. 6 . With an average frequency of 75 Hz, reset will occur every 0.67 sec. The number of pulses delivered depends on the pulse duration set by the practitioner. This is calculated and known before starting treatment. The frequency ramp in  FIG. 6  shows a large discontinuity  102 , but this does not appear on the actual impulse waveform applied to the patient. The breakout, diagram on the right illustrates that the discontinuity  102  is just a small change in the slope of the sine wave near the zero crossing, at the transition from 100 Hz to 50 Hz. 
     To recap, the use of a controller and PWM approach allows the creation of any complex waveform less than the 40 KHz range of the voice coil actuator. The selected waveform for the preferred embodiment of the invention is a linear frequency ramp or chirp, which cycles through 50 Hz to 100 Hz as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Square waves  82  will not be implemented in the current invention. A smooth sinusoidal waveform, like one with gradually increasing frequency, is viewed as an ideal impulse waveform for medical treatments. 
     Rotational impulses are also produced by a geared stepper motor. Typically the angle of rotation will be small, but this is not limited by the stepper motor, but rather by limit switches incorporated into the rotational gear system. The stylus end in contact with the patient has a non-smooth surface, in order to apply the rotational force. The irregular stylus end will have a bar pattern, or cross hairs, or multiple small protrusions. The irregular surface will have smooth edges, as necessary for patient comfort. 
     Alignment Angle and Data Validation 
     A means to measure direction in 3D is shown in  FIG. 7 . The linear axis  36  of the stylus is represented relative to the vertical direction  48 , which corresponds to the Z axis on a conventional 3D Cartesian co-ordinate system. At right angles to the vertical  48 , the conventional Cartesian X and Y axes are shown lying in the horizontal plane  104 . The direction of the patient bed  44 , and zero position and direction of all spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device components, are known relative to the selected X, Y, Z co-ordinate system. The angular direction of the linear axis  36  is therefore uniquely defined in 3D by the angle from the vertical, alpha  106 , and a rotational angle from the X axis, beta  108 , in the horizontal plane  104 . 
     A desired treatment angle is determined by a practitioner on the basis of morphological data such as x-rays, physical examination, other inputs, and considerable clinical experience. Practitioners will record and track the efficacy of selected treatment angles across many patients and many situations. It is important to apply linear impulses at a correct treatment angle to obtain consistent results. 
     The current invention includes “data validation” to improve reliability. The actual angle  36  of the linear axis of the collapsible stylus  30  is measured in near real-time, at microsecond intervals, by any common angular measurement device. For example, accelerometers measure angular direction relative to vertical. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the actual angle  36  of the linear axis of the stylus is compared to the preset treatment angle  110 , as defined by the practitioner. The measured linear axis angle  36  and the preset treatment angle  110  must be very close to one another before the device will start-delivering impulses. A maximum angular difference  112  is set by the device manufacturer and higher accuracy options are available to the practitioner. Locking mechanisms are engaged when the correct angular direction is achieved. If the locks fail and angular alignment is lost, the device will stop operating immediately (within microseconds). 
     This approach removes human error entirely from active treatment. Care must still be taken in setup and automated setup improvement methods are described further below. The current invention overcomes shortcomings in previous devices by preventing operation when the angle of the stylus axis  36  is misaligned relative to the preset treatment, angle  110 . 
     Data validation has many elements. Additional controls are imposed on the device. The time duration of impulses, or number of impulses to be delivered, is automatically controlled in the current invention. Operation does not depend oh a human depressing and releasing a trigger, an approach that lacks accuracy and repeatability. Data validation also pertains to selection of impulse energy or intensity. A maximum impulse energy or sine wave amplitude is built into the transducer and this can be reduced by the practitioner. Maximum rotational angle is predefined. This is a minimum set of controls for the current invention. 
     Additional elements of data validation may be incorporated into the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device, based on experience by practitioners. For example, experience may show that certain frequencies have the best results in certain situations. Extensions in data parameter input, and associated data validation, are within the expected embodiments of the device. 
     Controller and User Interface 
     The spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device is comprised primarily of a touchscreen  26  input panel and electronics motherboard  70 . A controller will typically include a microprocessor and various input and output interfaces. As an alternative to the touchscreen  26 , the user input panel may be implemented as any convenient combination of display and input components, such as a regular LCD display and keypad, or any other display and input mechanisms, which provide a friendly user interface (UI). Distinctive characteristics of the controller and input means of the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device include mounting on or near the device head, as shown in  FIG. 2 , as well as the friendly UI. By placing the controller  22  in the proximity of the transducer  24 , the current, invention ensures that the attention of the practitioner can be focused on the region of the device. This design is preferred to separation of the impulse transducer from its controller, with some displacement between these two components of the system, a situation where a practitioner&#39;s attention is split across different regions of the system, and operational errors may occur. 
     A user friendly interface via a touchscreen  26  is shown at the top of the device head  28  in  FIG. 1A . The user interface is menu driven. There is a logical sequence to the functions displayed to the practitioner, to enable walk-through of the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device operational setup with relative ease. Default parameter settings are allowed as appropriate within treatment protocols. Final treatment parameter settings are to be displayed. Changes may be applied to the setting. There is no need to follow a sequence to adjust settings. Other means of device setup, such as automated data parameter input, are discussed next. 
     Automated Data Input 
     Automated data input is an optional but integral part of the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment, device. A graphics tablet  42  is used to capture information from x-rays and overlaid, diagrams or other diagrams. The input is digitized, allowing the data to be manipulated by computer algorithms. An experienced practitioner has defined the calculations needed to produce the correct preset treatment angle  110 . This is matched by the actual angle  36  of the linear axis of the impulse stylus in three dimensions. Other treatment parameters, such as linear and rotational impulse parameters, defining frequency and energy, are then added to fully define the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment for a particular patient. 
     All treatment data parameters are organized so that they may be interpreted by the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device  22 , Data parameters are transferred from a remote computer to the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device by any standard communications link  38 , such as a serial link, or universal serial bus (USB) port, or wireless data link and the means of communications are not limited. 
     There are several advantages to automated data input. First, it is more convenient to digitize data from a graphics tablet  42 , than to manually calculate and input numbers from a diagram. Once data is in digital form, it can be manipulated by algorithms. Data may be archived on a computer  40 , representing many patients and treatment situations. Such historic data and data patterns can be applied to new situations to improve the efficacy of treatment protocols. Once treatment parameters have been defined, these may be automatically compared to other data, as well as being reviewed by an experienced practitioner. Thereafter, treatment parameters are applied by the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device, in an accurate and consistent manner, providing overall confidence in treatment protocols. 
     Patient Therapy Flow Chart 
     The therapeutic application of the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device is described as a flow chart of operations in  FIG. 9 . A patient examination and consultation takes place at step  120 . At step  122  pre-treatment x-rays are taken as well as static measurements of pelvic/shoulder level and leg length discrepancy, using calipers on the body. Data points of interest are marked on the graphics tablet, such as cervical tilt, head tilt and atlas position, relative to the skull and cervical spine. At step  124 , digitised data points are transferred from the graphics tablet to a computer. X-ray analysis is conducted in three dimensions using custom spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment software. At step  126 , data parameters for device operation are derived from the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment software and data archives, including: (a)—linear impulse frequency and duration, (b)—linear impulse angle, (c)—linear impulse force, and (d)—rotational angle. Data parameters are transferred to the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment software, manually via touch-screen, or automatically via a serial data communications link at step  128 . At step  130 , impulse parameters are validated in the spinal, and upper cervical impulse treatment software, including maximum impulse force, frequency and duration. Settings are displayed on the touchscreen  26 . At step  132 , whether the measured linear impulse angular direction is in close agreement with the preset treatment angular direction is tested. The allowed difference is preset. If correct alignment is not achieved, then the system goes to step  134 . If alignment is acceptable, then the system goes to step  136 . At step  134 , the angle of the stylus linear axis is adjusted to try to achieve correct alignment. The system then returns to step  132 . At step  136 , once angular alignment is achieved, the angle of the linear axis of the stylus is fixed or locked and the location of the stylus end is locked. The spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment transducer is then allowed to start operation. If angular alignment is lost, operation will cease. The calculations in steps  132  and  134  are ongoing during treatment. At step  138 , post spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment includes measurement of the impact of treatment on pelvic/shoulder unlevelling and leg length discrepancy, using body calipers. At step  140 , following review and recommendations, the patient&#39;s next appointment is scheduled as needed. At step  142 , post-treatment, x-ray analysis is conducted after 5 weeks, to determine progress and the efficacy of the treatment. 
     The assembly, generally referred to as  208  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The assembly includes a body imaging device  209 , for example, but not limited to, x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed axial tomography (CT) machines. A treatment device includes an impulse delivery mechanism comprising a stylus used to deliver waveforms of various frequencies, and amplitudes, both linearly and rotationally to the vertebrae of the spine. A stable stand  210  supports an arm or armature component  216 , which in turn supports the impulse treatment device head  228 . Arm  216  is slidably enclosed by sleeve  219 . The stand  210  can raise or lower the arm  216  by a large retractable piston or linear actuator  212  that is operator controlled. The arm  216  is mounted at the top of the stand&#39;s piston  212  at a complex joint with three degrees of freedom, called the stand coupling  214 . The transducer head can tilt in this direction but the arm cannot. The stand coupling  214  allows a tilt of the arm  216  off the horizontal plane, creating a roll angle. The arm  216  slides forward and back in sleeve  219  relative to the stand  210 . Releasing a lock  221  allows arm  216  to rotate within sleeve  219 . A groove in arm  216  and a biased ball bearing in the interior cylindrical surface of sleeve  219  causes arm  216  to encounter the resistance of having to move the ball bearing out of the groove in arm  216  when rotating arm  216  relative to sleeve  219 . A yoke  218  has two arm components, which curve around and attach to the device head  228  by means of dual pivot points  220  on either side of the device head  228 . The yoke  218  is supported by arm  216 . There is a manual locking mechanism  217  close to the pivot point  220  on one side of the device head  228 . A touch screen  226  at the top of the device head  228  displays a user interface which is used for device positioning and control. 
     A collapsible stylus  230  protrudes from the device head  228  and its end point  234  is used to deliver impulses to a predetermined contact point  235  on a patient&#39;s body  232 . The point of contact  235  may be the top or atlas vertebra, behind the ear, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The patient  232  is lying on a treatment bed  244  and the desired contact point  235  is in a fixed location. The many components and degrees of freedom of the device head  228  mounting scheme described above in combination, allow positioning of the linear axis  236  of the device head  228  and collapsible stylus  230  in any direction in three dimensions (3D), while simultaneously keeping the end of the stylus end  234  at a desired fixed location in 3D. For treatment, this fixed location is the contact point  235  on the patient  232 . 
     At the time of treatment, the linear axis of the stylus is in any selected angle  236  in 3D, and this angle is calculated relative to the vertical direction  208  in the preferred embodiment. 
     Also shown on  FIG. 10  is a remote computer  240 , which can be any processor, which may be in any location and is not necessarily close to the treatment area. Patient data from x-rays and overlaid drawings or other drawings are digitized and input to the remote computer  240  by means of a graphics tablet  242  peripheral. Calculations are made in the remote computer  240  on the raw data and operating parameters are derived. These parameters are sent to the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device by means of any data communications link  238 , such as a serial data link or wireless link. 
     Example 1 
     Treatment of Human Lumbar Vertebrae 
     X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the skin of a patient adjacent a lumbar vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the vertebrae. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 5 pounds, more preferably less than about 4 pounds and most preferably less than about 2.5 lbs (about 22 N, about 18 N and about 11 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 2 
     Treatment of Human Thoracic Vertebrae 
     X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the skin of a patient adjacent a thoracic vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the vertebrae. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 5 lbs, more preferably less than about 4 pounds and most preferably less than about 2.5 lbs (about 22 N, about 18 N and about 11 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 5 minutes, more preferably 10 minutes, and can be as long as 15 minutes. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 3 
     Treatment of Human Cervical Vertebrae 
     X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the skin of a patient adjacent a cervical vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the selected vertebrae—it need not be C1. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 5 lbs, more preferably less than about 4 pounds and most preferably less than about 2.5 lbs (about 22 N, about 18 N and about 11 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 4 
     Treatment of Large Animal Lumbar Vertebrae 
     Large animals, for example, but not limited to, horses and cattle can be treated using the method of the present technology. X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the hide of a patient adjacent a lumbar vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the vertebrae. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 9 pounds, preferably less than about 7 lbs, and most preferably less than about 5 lbs (about 40 N, about 31 N and about 22 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 5 minutes, more preferably 10 minutes, and can be as long as 15 minutes. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 5 
     Treatment of Large Animal Thoracic Vertebrae 
     Large animals, for example, but not limited to, horses and cattle can be treated using the method of the present technology. X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the hide of a patient adjacent a thoracic vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the vertebrae. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 9 pounds, preferably less than about 7 lbs, and most preferably less than about 5 lbs (about 40 N, about 31 N and about 22 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 6 
     Treatment of Large Animal Cervical Vertebrae 
     Large animals, for example, but not limited to, horses and cattle can be treated using the method of the present technology. X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the hide of a patient adjacent a cervical vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the selected vertebrae—it need not be C1. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 9 pounds, preferably less than about 7 lbs, and most preferably less than about 5 lbs (about 40 N, about 31 N and about 22 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 7 
     Treatment of Small Animal Lumbar Vertebrae 
     Small animals, for example, but not limited to, dogs and cats, can be treated using the method of the present technology. X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the skin of a patient adjacent a lumbar vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the vertebrae. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 5 lbs, more preferably less than about 4 pounds and most preferably less than about 2.5 lbs (about 22 N, about 18 N and about 11 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 8 
     Treatment of Small Animal Thoracic Vertebrae 
     Small animals, for example, but not limited to, dogs and cats, can be treated using the method of the present technology. X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the skin of a patient adjacent a thoracic vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the vertebrae. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 5 lbs, more preferably less than about 4 pounds and most preferably less than about 2.5 lbs (about 22 N, about 18 N and about 11 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 9 
     Treatment of Small Animal Cervical Vertebrae 
     Small animals, for example, but not limited to, dogs and cats, can be treated using the method of the present technology. X-ray images or other images suitable for showing spinal alignment will be viewed prior to treatment. If images are not available, imaging will be conducted. A device having a stylus and a driver to generate a sinewave of about 5 Hz to about 200 Hz, more preferably about 8 Hz to about 150 Hz, still more preferably about 25 Hz to about 100 Hz and most preferably about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz will be located on the skin of a patient adjacent a cervical vertebrae in the vicinity of the transverse process of the selected vertebrae—it need not be C1. Treatment will be at a force of less than about 5 lbs, more preferably less than about 4 pounds and most preferably less than about 2.5 lbs (about 22 N, about 18 N and about 11 N, respectively). The average Z-axis acceleration will be about 2.2 g, but can range from about 1.7 g to about 5 g, including 3.65 g. The treatment time will be at least about 2 minutes, more preferably 5 minutes, and can be as long as 10 minutes. Treatment may involve one session, two sessions or multiple sessions. The results will show at least one of reduced pain, reduced disability, increased mobility and increased alignment. X-ray images or other images suitable for demonstrating spinal alignment will be used to determine whether or not the treatment results in increased spinal alignment. 
     Example 10 
     Axial vibration was applied by placing individual discs into a chamber filled with cell culture medium. The lid on the chamber was fixed with a spring (k=26.2 N/cm) that applied static axial load (Mean 40.6 N) on the disks during the unconstrained vibration. The chamber had an ±1.7 g accelerometer fixed to it to track the vibration load when the chamber was mounted to a voice coil. The accelerometer was previously calibrated. The vibration of the voice coil was controlled with the output of a Linear Current Amplifier Module which received its command signal from a function generator. The voice coil and chamber were secured with damping to a shelf in a 37° C. and 5% CO2 environmental control chamber. The control signal to the voice coil and the accelerometer output was monitored in real-time via an oscilloscope during the loading. Vibration was applied at various frequencies (0, 8, 16, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 160, 200 Hz) and amplitudes (0-0.54 g RMS) for either 10 or 60 minutes. The order of both amplitude and frequency selection was randomly assigned to eliminate any time-dependent trends due to sample storage. All conditions were run on a minimum of 5 separate discs (from at least two different bovine tails). 
     The results indicated that frequency significantly affected expression of collagen type II, decorin, and versican mRNA. The regression slopes for each of these genes were not significant. Amplitude significantly affected expression of biglycan, collagen type I, collagen type II, decorin, and versican mRNA. The regression slopes for these genes were significant and positive for all of these genes, with the exception of versican, which was not significant. In general, the results indicated a positive effect of axial vibration on extracellular matrix gene expression. Most genes were at or above control levels for most frequencies and amplitude&#39;s, with the notable exceptions of biglycan and versican. Both of these genes exhibit complex expression patterns with high and low regions throughout the amplitude spectrum. Regardless of frequency and amplitude, versican expression was reduced after 60 minutes of exposure. In general, it was concluded that the conditions that promoted nucleus pulposus gene expression were about 0.5 g, about 16 Hz for half the time with a sweep from about 50 to about 80 Hz for half the time for 10 minutes. 
     Example 11 
     Vibration was applied by placing the stylus of the device disclosed in CA2005/000353 to Khan et al. onto the sensitive region of a 450 N load cell that was fixed over the area of the spinous process of the center vertebrae of the 5 segment bovine tail. Three dimensional ±10 g accelerometers were mounted on a cube and aligned with the axes of the disc (X-axial compression/tension, Y-shear 90 deg out of alignment with applied load, Z-shear parallel with applied load) and glued to the bone using cyanoacrylate to track acceleration of both the loaded and adjacent vertebral bodies. The accelerometers were previously calibrated using a 1 g shaker plate. The voice coil mounted and producing the vibration from within the device was controlled with the output of a Linear Current Amplifier Module which received its command signal from a function generator. The current going to the voice coil and the accelerometer output was monitored in real-time via an oscilloscope during the loading. Imparted mechanics vibration was tested at four different current values (˜0.9-1.9 Amp driving current). The testing vibration was applied at two static frequencies (0 or 16 Hz) and/or one sweep frequency (50-80 Hz) that would step up the frequency by 2 Hz every two cycles of oscillation. Each frequency treatment was applied for 10 minutes and one treatment alternated combined frequencies of 16 and 50-80 Hz for 5 minutes each to maintain the overall 10 minute application. All amplitudes were sustained at 0.5-5 g peak root mean square [RMS] of the vertebrae directly receiving the load. This is similar to current clinical treatments using the device, and corresponds to those stimuli eliciting peak responses in previous experiments. The order of control samples versus actual vibration samples was randomly assigned to eliminate any time-dependent trends due to sample storage. All conditions were run on a minimum of 6 separate discs (from at least three different tails). Control discs were treated equally (stored, handled, dissected, and snap-frozen) in order to perform as true unloaded controls. 
     The results showed non-significant changes in expression of collagen type I and increased expression of aggrecan, collagen type II and versican. This suggests a potential beneficial effect of the current vibration loading pattern tested in the study. When compared to Example 10, it can be concluded that the placement of the stylus of the device on the vertebrae rather than providing unconstrained vibration to the vertebrae provides a further improvement in maintaining and potentially improving disc health through increased gene expression. On the basis of the results of this study and the clinical studies of spinal intervention, a suitable treatment for human patients was determined to be exposing at least one intervertebral disc to a repetitive sinewave impulse at a force of about 5.5 N to about 12.2 N, each sinewave impulse having an acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 5 g, at 16 Hz followed by a sweep between about 50 to about 80 Hz. The preferable treatment was at a force of 0.5 N with an acceleration of 0.5 g. The method is preferably effected using the treatment device disclosed in CA2005/000353 to Khan et al. 
     Example 12 
     Using saggital plane cervical x-rays, pre and post intervention MARs were calculated for 44 patients with chronic neck pain. The study used a randomized, single blinded, and sham controlled design for comparisons of outcome measures. The intervention input was assessed using a load cell and vertebral acceleration and the outcome measures were: 1. cervical MARs, 2. self-reported neck pain [11-point scale], 3. neck disability index scores, 4. psycho-social assessments for stress, anxiety, and depression. 
     The device used was a spinal and upper cervical treatment device consisting of a controller mounted on top of an impulse delivery mechanism, or device head, which is mounted on a movable armature to a fixed stand. The device head generates waveforms [sinewave at 50-110 Hz] and the stylus located at the base of the device head mechanically transduces the waveforms through the skin and ultimately to the spine, causing minor vibration of the vertebrae and minor repetitive stretching/activation of the attached soft tissues. The stylus amplitude is controlled by a touch screen setting called the “Intensity” which ranges from 0 to 1 and controls the amplitude of current that is supplied to the stylus actuator. Treatment is typically given at 0.5 and stylus imparted mechanics has been quantified using in situ bovine tail here in. Patients in both groups were required to undergo treatment, either actual or sham, two or three times per week for a period of four to six weeks with each treatment lasting about 10 minutes. The preferred treatment was an acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 2.2 g, at a force of about 9 N to about 10.5 N and a frequency sweep from about 40 Hz to about 120 Hz for a period of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, with repeated individual treatments for 4 to 6 weeks. The more preferred treatment was an acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 1.5 g, at a force of about 9.5 N to about 10.4 N and a frequency sweep of about 45 Hz to about 115 Hz for a period of about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. The most preferred treatment was an acceleration of about 0.5 g, at a force of 10.3 N, and a frequency sweep of about 50 to about 110 Hz for a period of 30 sec to 2 min, with repeated individual treatments for 4-6 weeks. 
     The treatment improved pain and neck disability scores significantly compared to sham controls, corrected 62 percent of abnormal MARs with significantly larger MAR vector magnitude differences [pre-post] at the C5-C6 level than shams, and in patients without changes in MAR locations, the treatment significantly improved neck disability scores above the sham group. MAR correction was significantly related to improving both pain and neck disability across all subjects. Hence the study provided biomechanical evidence of spinal “re-alignment” and its ability to improve both pain and neck disability. 
     Example 13 
     Caliper measurements were used to determine alignment of the spine, by measuring the shoulder tilt and the hip tilt. As would be known to one skilled in the art, any means that allows a practitioner to assess tilt can be used, for example, but not limited to optical devices or a tape measure. A top skull x-ray image, a lateral x-ray image and a frontal x-ray image were taken to determine the location and orientation of the atlas. As would be known to one skilled in the art, any body imaging device that allows a practitioner to identify spinal vertebrae can be used, for example, but not limited to CT scans or MRI. On the basis of the location and orientation, the physician determined the vector for treatment. For example, if the atlas is tilted up the treatment vector will be down. The vector can be determined manually, but preferably is determined with a suitable processor, for example, but not limited to a computer. The stylus can be placed in the general vicinity of the altas. He then ensured that the stylus angle was correct and positioned the stylus into position on the patient&#39;s neck using the pen mark as a locator. The stylus is aligned along the treatment vector. The stylus caused a depression of approximately 2 mm below the skin surface and was on a bony landmark of the transverse process of the atlas, however, the stylus need not be placed on a bony landmark of the transverse process—it can be placed in the general vicinity of the altas. Further, there may be more than one probe, for example two probes. The preferred device for the treatment is one that controls the location and angle of the stylus relative to the patient and provides a highly controlled impulse in the form of a sinusoidal wave. The preferred treatment was an acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 2.2 g, at a force of about 9 N to about 10.5 N and a frequency sweep from about 40 Hz to about 120 Hz for a period of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, with repeated treatments weekly, or every two weeks, or every three weeks or every month for 4 to 6 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks, or more, as needed. The more preferred treatment was an acceleration of about 0.5 g to about 1.5 g, at a force of about 9.5 N to about 10.4 N and a frequency sweep of about 45 Hz to about 115 Hz for a period of about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes. The most preferred treatment was an acceleration of about 0.5 g, at a force of 10.3 N, and a frequency sweep of about 50 to about 110 Hz for a period of 30 sec to 2 min, with repeated individual treatments. 
     The results showed at least one of an improvement of spinal alignment, a reduction in shoulder and/or hip tilt, a reduction in pain, a reduction in swelling and an improvement in mental health. 
     The foregoing is a description of the technology. As would be known to one skilled in the art, variations are contemplated that do not alter the scope of the technology.