Systems and methods for decompression and elliptical traction of the cervical and thoracic spine

摘要

A traction device comprises a frame, a first bladder portion, a second bladder portion, a spacer, and a pump. The first bladder expands in an outward direction a distance greater than in a transverse direction. The second bladder expands in an angular direction. The second bladder is positioned generally below and to the side of the first bladder. Upon expanding in the outward direction, the first bladder bears against the back of the user's neck. Upon expanding in the transverse direction, the first bladder applies an angular traction to the cervical spine. Upon expanding in the angular direction, the second bladder bears angularly against the back of the user's upper thoracic region.

主权项

1. A method of imparting a forward curve to the cervical spine and reducing hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine, the method comprising the steps of:
securing a traction device to a user's head, the traction device comprising a support frame having a transverse neck support projecting upwardly from a base of the support frame and first and second inflatable bladder portions coupled to the neck support, wherein securing the traction device to the user's head includes positioning the traction device such that the first inflatable bladder portion transverses the cervical spine, and such that the second inflatable bladder portion transverses the upper thoracic spine; expanding the first inflatable bladder portion in a direction outward from the neck support and toward and substantially normal to the cervical spine to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly, expanding the first inflatable bladder portion in a transverse direction to apply an angular traction to the cervical spine; and expanding the second inflatable bladder portion in a direction toward and substantially normal to the upper thoracic spine to force the upper thoracic spine to decompress and reduce hyper-kyphosis of the upper thoracic spine.