Abstract: A method and apparatus for relieving or preventing back pain and therapeutically treating back ailments by exerting suspensory force on the torso in the rib cage region through the connection of opposing sides of that region each to a strut which rests upon a surface on which the wearer is sitting or standing and is of a sufficient length to bear at least a portion of the body weight, thereby relieving weight from the lumbar region of the spine and further for cyclically stretching the lumbar region of the spine. The connection is made by means such as two corselets which are attached to struts, the lower ends of which form feet to rest on the surface on which the wearer is seated or is standing. Inhalation and exhalation and tightening or releasing of the stomach muscles by the wearer serve to cyclically increase the suspensory force and apparatus for mechanically assisting in this cyclical variation is provided.

Abstract: A cervical traction device in which the user, himself, applies the traction force. A harness which is adjustable both as to size and shape fits about the user's head between the occiput and forehead. A strap is attached to the harness and is used to apply traction thereto, the opposite ends of the strap being attached to the ends of a traction bar. The traction bar has attachment means at its center and to the left and right of center, a line or cable being selectively attached to one of these attachment means. The line fits through a suitable fitting so that it reverses direction to a position forward of the user's head where it is attached to a force indicator device which is within the user's view. Another line runs from the opposite end of the indicator device to a force input drive member adapted to be engaged by the user's feet.