Self-treating upper neck system for therapeutic mobilization

Abstract

One embodiment of a self-treating upper neck system for therapeutic mobilization and of the type allowing for restoration of C1-2 rotation by means of placing repeated passive mobilizations to the upper neck. This embodiment accomplishes this by having two stoppers (12a and 12b) that fix the C2 vertebra by placing a force through the posterior aspect of the C2 transverse processes. The force is applied by the patient via an elastic head strap (20) attached to a rope (22) that is looped through pulleys and eventually terminates with handles (24a and 24b) on each side. With the patient resting his/her head on a foam cushion (14) secured to the base of the apparatus (10), they use the rope (22) and pulley system to generate the precise magnitude and direction of forces necessary to repeatedly mobilize the C1-2 segments.

Claims

1. A self-treatment neck mobilization device comprising: a rectangular base comprising a rigid sheet of material and a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the base; two adjustable stoppers attached to an upper surface of the base, the stoppers being configured to be located at a posterior aspect of a transverse process of a second cervical vertebra of a user in order to mobilize a C1-C2 segment; a first pulley attached to a left side of the base and a second pulley attached to a right side of the base; a head strap configured to be placed over the user's forehead while the user's head is resting on the base; a rope attached to the head strap and extending through the first and second pulleys; and a handle on each end of the rope configured to allow the user to provide forces for nodding and rotating the user's head about the longitudinal axis of the base.

Description

DRAWINGS

Figures

(1) In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from an enlarged and projected view.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a first preferred embodiment complete head strap with a plastic Velcro attachment.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a rope with handles on each end and a rectangular Velcro attachment piece in the middle.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the first preferred embodiment cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus of FIG. 1 from a front view and in further operative combination with a patient.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates the first preferred embodiment cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus of FIG. 1 from a side view and in further operative combination with a patient.

DRAWINGS

Reference Numerals

(7) TABLE-US-00002 10 Base of apparatus 12a Right stopper 12b Left stopper 14 Head cushion 16a Right pulley 16b Left pulley 18 Plastic head piece 20 Elastic head strap 22 Rope 24a Right handle 24b Left handle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1, 4 and 5

First Embodiment

(8) One embodiment of the cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 1-3 (top view), FIG. 4 (top view in operative combination with a patient) and FIG. 5 (side view in operative combination with a patient). The cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus has a base 10 of uniform cross section consisting of a rigid sheet of material that can serve as a sturdy platform for the additional features. The upper portion of the base 10 is cut to the depth in order to accommodate for a head cushion 14. In one embodiment this base is a rigid and durable plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) that can be either molded or fabricated for production. The head cushion in this embodiment may be durable foam such as neoprene, but is comfortable enough for a patient to rest his/her head on for at least 30 minutes.

(9) Located on the base are two horizontal cut outs that allow for the stoppers 12a and 12b to be attached, each with a bolt from the undersurface of the base 10, and adjusted to accommodate the various neck sizes of the patient. In one embodiment the stoppers are a rigid and durable plastic such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) that can be used with either molding or fabrication for production.

(10) Also in this embodiment are two pulleys 16a and 16b attached to the base by metal rods. These rods bridge a half circle cut out on the side of the board near the bottom of the base in order to secure each pulley 16a and 16b. The pulley's can be purchased online from www.e-rigging.com.

Operation

Fig. 1-5

(11) The manner of using the cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus to improve on the rotation found in the upper cervical spine is similar to manual therapy techniques practiced by practitioners in the clinic. Namely, just as a clinician would use a finger, each stopper 12a and 12b is placed at the posterior aspect of the C2 transverse process in order specifically mobilize the C1-2 segment. With the patient positioned properly the back of their head will rest on the foam pad 14 and the stoppers 12a and 12b will block the C2 segment from rotating.

(12) Prior to or while in the supine position, the patient can fasten the head strap 20 using adjustable straps so that it fits snug around the head. With the rope 22 attached to the plastic rope piece 24 the patient is able to secure the plastic head piece 18 to the head strap 20 via two strips of adhesive Velcro fastened to the under surface of the plastic head piece 18 and the outward facing surface of the head strap 26.

(13) Now that the patient is in the proper head position they will follow this with grasping the handles 24a and 24b attached to the rope 22 running through each pulley 16a and 16b. With this set-up the patient is able to provide a force that is directed in an inferior and lateral vector in order to provide rotation and nodding to the head. Rotation to the skull will automatically start to turn the C1 vertebrae and with the C2 vertebrae blocked by the stopper 12a and 12b there is a resultant mobilization or stretch placed on the muscle, ligaments and other anatomical structures that are restricting C1-2 rotation. The patient will then hold this mobilization for 2-3 seconds before releasing the stretch. This will be repeated every 1-2 seconds for upward of 15-20 minutes or as long as the patient can tolerate the activity. In addition to a mobilization into rotation, the angle of pull placed through the rope and onto the head will also provide a gaping effect to the joint located between the occiput and the atlas. This gaping or nodding function will provide several benefits as it will counteract the adaptive shorten that takes place secondary to poor posturing along with freeing up the neural pathways that are disrupted leading to tension type headache pain.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

(14) There are various possibilities with regard to the relative disposition of the contours and materials used to fabricate or manufacture this cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus.

Advantages

(15) From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus become evident. (a) With the use of inexpensive materials such as ABS plastic and neoprene foam it will permit a lower fabrication cost and pass the expense savings onto the patient allowing access to the majority of the population. (b) Although some education may be required prior to use, the limited number of moving/adjustable parts will allow ease of use while fitting properly on a variety of head and neck sizes. (c) Passive mobility of the neck is essential, as any active contraction of the neck musculature will block the C1-2 mobilization. The strap and pulley system allow for passive movement of the head and neck with the patient controlling the amount of force generated for comfort and effectiveness. (d) In addition, the passive mobility and patient control allows for self-treatment with little to no risk of harm as the patient is generating a force through the neck below their threshold of pain tolerance. (e) The plastic and foam materials are easily cleaned in between uses. (f) The plastic and foam materials are durable and light-weight which provides for easy travel and an increased life span. (g) The patient is allowed a low cost-alternative to skilled intervention by a health care practitioner when suffering from a tension headache. (h) With 24/7 access to the device in the patient's home as opposed to expensive physical therapy or chiropractic visits 1-2/week, the patient will find greater benefit and faster recovery times. (i) Healthcare providers will have an alternative treatment approach that allows for convenience and low cost compared to traditional avenues of care.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

(16) Accordingly, the reader will see that the cervical mobilization/manipulation apparatus of different embodiments can be used to treat tension type headache pain by mobilizing the C1-2 cervical joint safely and effectively. In addition, this device allows a provider with a tool to aid in the care of patients with tension-type headaches while empowering the patient to care for their symptoms with a safe, low-cost self-treatment approach. Furthermore, the cervical mobilization manipulation apparatus has the additional advantages in that: it permits the patient to increase the frequency of their care via a self-treatment approach. it provides a low cost alternative to repeated time consuming and expensive visits to providers who treat tension-type headaches. it allows a provider to add time and benefit to his/her plan of care by using the apparatus as an extension of care outside the clinic. it cuts down on the need for pharmaceutical drugs that focus on symptom management for patients with tension-type headaches. it saves the patient the need for a return visit to their healthcare provider if able to self-treat in the case of a return of their tension-type headache pain. it meets a need in the marketplace for a self-treating apparatus that effectively mobilizes the upper neck using passive mobility and a specific blocking mechanism.

(17) Although the above description contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments.

(18) Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.