Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A spinal joint separator device and method for exercising a spine to promote spinal health are provided. The device may generally include a frame and a first and a second bladder secured to the frame for separating vertebrae in the spine in order to promote fluid imbibition therethrough. The bladders provide diverging directions of force against a lordotic arc in the spine of a user, for example against the lumbar or cervical spine. When in an uninflated state the second bladder is disposed on the frame such that it overlaps the first bladder. In addition, a pump and valve may be provided for allowing independent and sequential inflation of the bladders. In accordance with a method of the invention, the first bladder may be inflated against the spine in a first direction to lift and hold the spine in a lordotic arc. Subsequently, the second bladder is inflated against the spine in a second direction to further lift the spine, stretch the spine linearly and gently separate the vertebrae. Both bladders may be further inflated to increase and elongate the lordotic arc, promote cellular and fluid exchange about the vertebrae as well as reinstate a lordotic arc and longitudinal alignment of vertebrae in the spine.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim