Abstract:
The present invention relates to a system and method for continually monitoring the spine of a user via device containing electromechanical transducer, processor, delay, transmitter, and a feedback component. Through the device and method of employing, the user will be able to learn and sustain a proper posture, thereby avoiding future back pain.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Low back pain is a major cause of morbidity, disability, limitation of activity, and economic loss. Most studies have found that 60-80% of people are affected with low back pain at some time during their lives (Hult 1954, Biering-Sorensen 1982, Svensson and Andersson 1982, Frymoyer et al 1983). Some sports have been related to low back and even to sciatica. In particular, sports which involve twisting, such as golf, bowling, and tennis, have been associated with lumbar disc herniations (Iselsey 1975). Other studies have suggested a relationship between mild non-disabling back pain and jogging and cross country skiing. A special example is the relationship between isthmic spondylolisthesis and gymnastics or American football. Regarding spinal posture, in two studies in which the extent of forward flexibility was measured before the occurrence of low back pain (Dieck 1982, Biering-Sorenson 1984), restricted forward flexion was associated with a decreased risk of subsequent low back pain. This result suggests that restricted forward flexion may be indicative of a more stable lumbar spine that is less susceptible to injury (White &amp; Panjabi 1978). It is widely believed in ergonomics that a neutral posture is safer. 
   Motion sensors for kinetic activities such as golf, tennis and the like have long been known. The use of available feedback to indicate level of accomplishment to the user via pitch, duration or the modulation of either, is frequently used. Feedback with regard to spinal muscle can be considered a case of learning to relax a specific group of muscles with the aid of electronically delivered information. There have been two separate approaches to feedback in the field of back pain: a general relaxation technique and EMG feedback as part of a wider treatment package. 
   It is an object of the present system to overcome the disadvantages and problems in the prior art. This object is primarily accomplished by monitoring regions of a user&#39;s spine during work and physical activities, and providing biofeedback to the user. 
   DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention proposes a system and methods for monitoring spinal region of a user and sending biofeedback to the user. 
   The present invention proposes a method that continually monitors a user&#39;s spine in order to prevent or delay the occurrence of pain. 
   The present invention teaches a system that not only can help to prevent the onset of back pain, but help to train users to maintain back health. 

   
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
       FIG. 1(   a ) exhibits the regions of the spine. 
       FIG. 1(   b ) compares improper posture positions that can lead to the onset of back pain with proper positions that can help to prevent back pain. 
       FIG. 2  shows a diagram of the components of a system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a method of monitoring the spine condition and position according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic example of a system for determining whether a spine condition or position, and components for providing biofeedback. 
   

   The following description of certain exemplary embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. Throughout this description, the term “biofeedback” refers to a signal, such as electrical, audible, visual, or sensory, that is delivered to a user in response to a previous action taken by the user, in an effort to train the user to control a body function. 
   Now, to  FIGS. 1-4 . Whereas  FIGS. 1-4  are presented and discussed individually, they, in total, represent the present invention. Unless otherwise noted, the FIGs refer back to and rely upon each other. 
     FIG. 1(   a ) is a graphic of the human spinal column, divided into its various regions, including cervical  101 , thoracic  103 , lumbar  105 , and pelvic  107 . Back pain exhibited by the spine, can include neck pain, low back pain, referred pain, and radicular pain. Back pain has been known to be located at or around the cervical region  101  and the lumbar region  105 . To the epidemiology of back pain, it has been reported that restricting the forced flexion of posture was associated with a decreased risk of low back pain. This result suggests that restricted forward flexion may be indicative of a more stable lumbar spine that is less susceptible to injury. While not to be bound by theory, it is believed that a posture exhibiting forward flexion will subject the spine to increased compression. 
     FIG. 1(   b ) shows posture in forward flexion stance, exhibited in different circumstances: standing  109 , working at a desk  111 , and working at a standing desk  113 . In all circumstances, there is a posture that may be taken which decreases or prevents the occurrence of back pain (“proper”), and a forward flexion posture that may be taken that likely increases occurrence of back pain (“improper”). Through the present invention, it is believed that by maintaining a posture that avoids excessive forward flexion, back pain around the cervical region or lumbar region of the spine can be prevented. 
     FIG. 2  is an embodiment of the spine monitoring device  200  of the present invention, such devices  200  useful for monitoring the position and condition of the spine during work periods and exercise periods. In particular, the device  200  is used to monitor the cervical region and lumbar region of the spine.  FIG. 2 , while possessing the component parts of the device, is not reflective of the size of the device  200  in reality. In reality, the device  200  measures under 3 cm, preferably less than 2.5 cm. In one embodiment, the device  200  is micro-size, measuring less that several millimeters. The device  200  possesses an electromechanical transducer  203 , a signal processor  205 , a delay  207 , a transmitter  209 , and feedback means  211 . In an alternatively embodiment, the device  200  possesses an antenna for communication. The various components can be mounted on a base  201 , for example a breadboard. In operation, a signal is generated by the device  200  when the electromechanical transducer  203  is affected beyond an optimum set level, such as angle, pressure, or force. 
   The electromechanical transducer  203  of the device  200  is useful for detecting a change by or being exerted upon the spine, and then communicating a signal to the device  200 . Example of transducers include sensors suitable for measuring pressure, force, acceleration, or velocity, such as an accelerometer, barometer, speedometer, and the like. One or more sensors may be used in conjunction. The sensor is used to provide an actual measurement of the position or condition of the spine. This actual measurement is then compared to the optimum setting of position or condition programmed into the device  200 . If the actual measurement is over or under (read: + or −) to the optimum setting, the device  200  will indicate such through its feedback means  211 . In one embodiment, the actual measurement is provided a % deviation from the optimum setting before a signal is sent through to the feedback means  211 . This % deviation can be around +/−5%. In one embodiment, the sensor is angular, i.e., capable of measuring the angle of the cervical region in relation to the spine. In this way, the device  200  is able to monitor the angle of the spine in order to stop forward flexion, and thus prevent back pain. 
   The signal processor  205  receives the signal from electromechanical transducer  203  for modification into an acceptable form for the rest of the system  200 . The processor  205  can include a micro processor, a rectifier, a transistor, comparator circuitry, digital component for example AND, OR, NOR, and the like, wave modulator, wave generation, amplifier, one or more in conjunction or used individually. In one embodiment, memory storage means may be connected to the processor  205 , for example RAM or ROM (not shown). User interfaces that are used to program, set, and operate the device may interact with the various components via the processor  205 , for example buttons, knobs, switches, keyboard, etc. 
   The delay  207  is essentially a gate component, suitable for determining when the signal from the processor has met the requirement that allows it to be forwarded to the feedback means  211 . The delay  207  can be based on time, current flow, or energy capacitance. In one embodiment, upon the signal flowing from the processor  205 , and delivered to the delay  207 , a timer is initited. The timer can be countdown or count up. If the signal continues to flow for a sufficient period of time, the delay gate will allow the signal to flow through. In one embodiment, the period of time may be 1 second to several seconds, for example 3 to 5 seconds. In another embodiment, the delay gate may be an energy storage component, wherein when the capacitance of the delay, for example a capacitor or inductor, has been reacted, the signal is passed through. In an embodiment, the capacitance can range from about 0.001 μF to about 0.1 μF. 
   The transmitter  209  of the device  200  can be used to deliver the signal directly to the feedback means  211 , amplify the signal prior to delivery to the feedback means  211 , and/or split the signal for a variety of delivery avenues. In one embodiment, the transmitter can be a switch that is actuated upon the delivering of the signal from the delay  207 . The transmitter  209  can also include encoding or signal conversion technology, allowing the signal to be converted into other forms such as light. In one embodiment, the signal via the transmitter is provided to a feedback means  211  and a communication means such as an antenna  213 . In this way, the feedback means  211  can communicate to the user the position or condition of the spine, and the signal can also be communicated to another source, such as a computer, recording equipment, and the like. In another embodiment, the communication means is wired, such as a fiber optic line. For wireless communication means, WIFI or RF technology (Bluetooth™) may be employed. The communication to another source can allow the collection of cervical and/or lumbar kinetic or kinematic data under a variety of exercise regimes, work regimes, and activities of daily living. 
   The base  201 , as previously stated, may be a breadboard. The base  201  may also resemble a design suitable to allow it be body-mountable on the user, for example an inner ear piece, a head set, or a set to allow it to be strapped to the body with a belt. The base  201  can also be in two or more pieces, allowing sections of the device  200  to be carried on different parts of the body, for example the feedback means  211  can be stored within an ear piece, while the transducer  201 , processor  205 , delay  207 , transmitter  209 , and antenna  213  can be stored within a set box carried on the waist. 
   The feedback means  211  is used to provide an indicator to the user when the spine position or condition changes beyond the optimum setting outside the allowable deviation. The feedback means  211  can be an audible device, sensory device, visual device, and the like. Audible devices can include alarms, buzzers, etc. In one embodiment, the audible device can be fitted to the ear. Sensory devices can include electrostimulators capable of providing a mild but effective shock to the body of the user or a localized vibration. Such sensory devices can be applied to any body part, for example a finger. Visual devices can include monitors, such as TV monitors, allowing the users to see the movement of various regions of the spine. 
     FIG. 3  is an embodiment of a method of monitoring the spine  300  of the present invention, comprising the steps of attaching a spine monitoring device  301 , setting the optimal spine position and/or conditions on the device  303 , detecting a change in the user&#39;s spinal condition or position  305 , determining if the change is sufficient  307 , and if so, transmitting a signal through the device  309 , and adjusting the position of the user&#39;s spine  311 . The method contains a loop function, allowing continual detection of the user&#39;s spine condition while the device is in use. 
   Attaching the monitoring device  301  to the user can include attaching the devices as a complete unit to a body part of the user, such as, for example, fitting it an ear. The device can also be attached adjacent to the spine, such as on a bony landmark, e.g. L3, with a strapping means such as a belt. If the device is comprised of components separately connected, they can be attached to the body in different locations. Preferably, the device is attached in a location such that it does not interfere with normal movement of the user. In this way, accurate monitoring of the spine&#39;s condition and/or position can be made. 
   Setting the optimal spinal conditions on the device  303  is performed to input into the device the most suitable condition and/or position of the user&#39;s spine for the avoidance of present or future back pain. The condition and/or position includes spine angle, pressure placed upon the spine, force upon the spine, acceleration by which the spine changes its angle, or velocity by which the spine changes. The most suitable condition and/or position refers to the measurements that are most likely to avoid or prevent the occurrence of back pain. The most suitable condition is preferably specific for each person, and can be determined by previous tests&#39; on the user&#39;s spine. The setting on the device is reflective of the most suitable condition and/or position with an allowable deviation. The deviation may be around +/−5%. The device may be set by user interfaces including switches, dials, buttons, or computer devices whereby the device is connected to the computer, such computer including software allowing control or setting of the devices. 
   The device is then prepared to detect change in the condition and/or position of the user&#39;s spine  305 . Change includes a change in the pressure, force, acceleration, angle, or velocity exhibited by the user&#39;s spine. The device, continually monitoring, will detect the change when a measurement including the deviation is made. Upon the detection of a change, a signal will be sent through the device. 
   A determination will then be made as to whether the signal is sufficient to cause a present or future negative effect on the spine  307 . The signal will be determined sufficient based on time or signal level, for example, after the signal occurs for a certain period of time, it is determined sufficient. The period of time can be from 30 second to 1 minute. A negative effect on the spine includes neck pain, back pain, spinal disk injury, spinal inflammation, and sciatica. The negative effect can be to enhance a current status or to initiate a spinal injury. If the change is not sufficient, the signal is looped back toward detection for continual monitoring. If the change is sufficient, the signal is then transmitted. 
   Transmitting the signal  309  can include directing the signal in one or more directions. The directions include a biofeedback means and a communication means. As stated previously, the biofeedback means includes audible devices, sensory devices, and visual devices. Communication means can include wireless technology such as an antenna, and wired technology such as fiber optic. By the signal being directed to the biofeedback means, the user is able to adjust his/her spine condition and/or position to bring it again with the optional settings. 
   Adjusting the spinal position  311  can include adjusting the posture, adjusting the shoulders, adjusting the head, modifying the movement of the body, swing of the arms, and the like. As the adjustment will be temporary and the user will likely go back to his/her original poor posture position, the signal will be looped, allowing for continual monitoring of the spine. Thus, the user will be continually trained, eventually leading to a preferred spinal condition and/or position that will be least likely to cause a present or future negative effect to the spine. 
     FIG. 4  is an example of a schematic of the present invention, wherein the signal is determined as sufficient to cause a negative effect on the spine, and then forwarded through the biofeedback means. The schematic exhibits a comparator circuit, a storage  403 , an absolute value generator  405 , a capacitor  407 , and an audible device  409 . 
   As shown in the schematic, as the signal comes from the detecting sensor, it can be inserted into a comparator  401  for comparison against the optimum settings. The comparator circuit  401  can be a subtractor. The optimum setting, as entered into the device via user interfaces, can be stored on a register  403 , such as a RAM or ROM. The comparison of the actual signal and the optimum setting will produce an error signal. The error signal can be passed through an absolute value generator  405  to ensure a positive value. The signal will then be forwarded to a energy storage device  407 , such as a capacitor. If the signal is sufficient to cross the storage device, the signal will be passed through to the audible device  409 . If the signal is not sufficient, it will simply be delivered back to the detecting sensor for continual monitoring. Audible devices  409  include speakers and earphone devices. Even if the signal is delivered to the audible device  409 , a signal is sent to allow for continual monitoring. 
   Having described embodiments of the present system with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present system is not limited to the precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit as defined in the appended claims. 
   In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that: 
   a) the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in the given claim; 
   b) the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; 
   c) any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; 
   d) any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise; and 
   e) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated.