Abstract: A forward head position correction collar is provided having first assembly mounted around the shoulder and neck portions of a wearer. A second assembly is movably connected to the first assembly. The second assembly includes a pair of opposed first and second adjustment assemblies that are used to position first and second cheek engagement pieces on the face of the wearer. The first and second cheek engagement pieces are joined to one side of a chin-mastoid piece that can be adjusted relative to the wearer. Preferably, a lordosis correction fulcrum assembly is formed within the first assembly to selectively and incrementally engage the rear of the wearer to apply corrective forces against the cervical area of the neck.

Abstract: Example aspects of a stretching apparatus and a method for stretching a user's body are disclosed. The stretching apparatus can comprise an elongate support bar defining a bar first end and a bar second end opposite the bar first end; and a body stretching attachment coupled to the elongate support bar, the body stretching attachment comprising a primary strap, a first strap connector, and a second strap connector, wherein the primary strap comprises a flexible, inelastic material, and wherein the elongate support bar engages each of the first strap connector and second strap connector.

Abstract: A non-restraining collar can include a unitary pillow having extending from a collar body first and second collar straps that extend opposite one another and terminate in respective distal ends separated by a space having a first distance in a relaxed state. The non-restraining collar can also include an elastically deformable spring member embedded in the unitary pillow, the elastically deformable spring member having portions extending into both of the first and second collar straps. The elastically deformable spring member can be deformed such that the first distance is increased to a second distance.

Abstract: The neck pillow comprises a pillow body, a gap, and a plurality of fasteners. The pillow body may be adapted to be worn around a neck of a user and to limit movement of the head relative to the rest of the body. The pillow body may comprise a core and an outer cover. The shape of the pillow body may be an annulus that is three-dimensional. The pillow body may comprise a central aperture that may be adapted for the neck to pass through. The gap may permit the pillow body may to open while donning the pillow body. The plurality of fasteners may hold the gap closed during use. The neck pillow may further comprise a back support, which may be a downward projection from the bottom surface of the pillow body.

Abstract: A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar (1) with a middle section (2) for placement under the chin of a user, side sections (3, 4) connecting to said middle section and end parts (5, 6), optionally connectable to each other, consisting of a core of foam plastic contained in a covering. The foam plastic is a soft foam plastic, an opening (7) is formed in said middle section (2) and resilient means (14; 15; 27; 28) for adjustment of the height of the opening (7) and thereby the height of the middle section (2) are arranged in said opening (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a head-rest pillow that aids the user in sleeping by relieving their sinus congestion discomfort and snoring that may be associated with such congestion. The pillow comprises a core layer that has plurality of firm balls sewn in it forming compartmentalized section. The core layer is covered with a batting layer that is sewn all around the core layer for purposes of cushioning and providing comfort to the user. This combination of core and batting layer and inserted in a hollow pillow case that covers the core and batting layer, providing a head-rest pillow for a user to use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for treating patient body or an organ thereof, especially his/her head and neck, by controllably maneuvering said treated organ, comprising; cradle adapted for holding said treated organ stably and comfortably; and, a maneuverable platform upon which said cradle rests, comprising maneuvering means adapted for rotating the platform in the Sagittal, Coronal, Horizontal planes or in any combination of the planes thereof for a predetermined duration; wherein said maneuver of said organ is characterized by parameters selected from the Allowed Movements. It is especially in the scope of the invention wherein the treated organ is maneuvered in a lobular three dimensional manner. The invention also discloses methods for treating patient body or an organ thereof by this apparatus; methods for decreasing HIT, MIDAS, VAS/NRS, NDI and EPS, and a method for increasing (S)MFA.

Abstract: A method for treating a user's back, a user's neck, or combinations thereof. The method can include the steps of: inserting a traction device into a pouch of a fabric garment; disposing the fabric garment over a user; engaging the traction device with a surface; and applying a pressure to the traction device using the user's back. The traction device can provide a therapeutic pressure to the user's back, to the user's neck, or to combinations thereof. The method can use a customizable traction device having a shearable fraction head and body. The shearable traction head and body can each be cut to a custom size to fit a user. The method can use a removable fabric chair cover disposed over a chair. A user can sit on the chair and apply a pressure to the traction device using the user's back.

Abstract: A pair of pads is held against the remus of a patient's jaw, to prevent the jaw from slipping back and causing an airway obstruction, while the patient's neck is hyperextended to also cause the patient's airway to stay open. A device including the adjustable jaw pads as well as a triangularly shaped portion over which the patient's neck rests is not required to be attached to the surface on which the patient is lying, and permits the patient to be rolled on either side while still maintaining the patency of the patient's airway.

Abstract: Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Spinal traction and restoration using application of forces in user-selectable distinct unitary directions by a rotatable pointable constrained inflator proximate a device base. The constrained inflator provides selectable, variable and pointable force to effect any of the following therapies: [1] Axial Traction; [2] Force to Upper Cervical Spine; [3] Force to Mid-Cervical Spine; [4] Force to Lower Cervical Spine; and [5] Traction Force Applied to Upper Thoracic Spine.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for use with a patient under anesthesia and associated methods. Various embodiments of the present invention include a device for establishing and maintaining a patient's head and/or jaw in a particular position, including the sniffing position. Embodiments also include a method for positioning a patient comprising the use of a device of the present invention, wherein the device may substantially maintain a patient in a desired position.

Abstract: A neck rehabilitation device for exercising the muscles of a person's neck and upper back is provided. The device has a rear neck-engaging assembly that can be positioned at least partially about the person's neck for engaging a rear side of the person's neck. The rear neck-engaging assembly includes an elastic strap for extending and being stretched about the rear side of the person's neck to exert a forward-directed force on the person's neck. The assembly also includes a resilient compressible member providing resistance to compression for use in exercising the muscles of the person's neck and upper back while the elastic strap is stretched about the person's neck. A method of cervical curve restoration of a person's neck is also provided. The method includes stretching a reversed cervical curve forward and simultaneously exercising the muscles of the person's neck and upper back.

Abstract: A passive motion exercise and/or treatment apparatus is provided which includes a main support assembly for supporting at least the head and torso of a user. The main assembly includes three support members which, in one mode of operation, are disposed in a common plane. The second and third members are movably connected to the first member, which is a backrest support member, and are movable relative thereto so as to respectively provide passive movement of both the head and, and the lumbar region, of a user. Cervical side bending and rotational movements and lumbar side bending and rotational movements can all be provided. A separable leg support assembly is adjustable to support the calves of the user in a plane elevated with respect to the common plane while the apparatus provides the aforementioned passive body movements.

Abstract: In order to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, the inner respiratory tract is subjected to atmospheric pressure and the outer surrounding area of the respiratory tract is subjected to artificial low-pressure, the difference between the inner atmospheric pressure and the outer low-pressure remaining constant. The respiratory therapy device consists of a pressure stable hollow body which surrounds the human body while keeping free the natural respiratory opening. Set hollow body forms the low-pressure chamber (7) is connected to a suction pump (3) by a suction tube (2). The invention method and respiratory therapy device make it possible to breathe in a free atmosphere.

Abstract: An exercising machine is provided that has a head engaging member that can provide a hemispherical movement. The head engaging member is attached to rollers that can roll on a pivotable arcuate track. As an exerciser moves the head engaging member in the X-Y plane, the machine forces movement in the Z plane such that the head engaging member can maintain a point of contact on the user's head as the exerciser rotates his head during exercise. The track can be arced or formed in a radius such that the head engaging member traverses a motion approximate to a radius of a neck rotation as measured from the forehead to the base of the neck.

Abstract: A head support device includes a base including a horizontal portion and a pair of vertical members that are attached to and extend upwardly from the horizontal portion so that a first vertical member and a second vertical member are defined. A strap has a first end and a second end. The second end of the strap is attached to the second vertical member. A retracting mechanism draws the strap toward or releases the strap away from the first vertical member. The retracting mechanism is attached to the first vertical member. A portion of the strap positioned between the vertical members is moved upwardly away from the horizontal portion when the strap is drawn toward the first vertical member and is moved toward the horizontal portion when the strap is released away from the first vertical member.

Abstract: A neck exercise apparatus comprises a thin elongate leaf spring spanning between two supports. One or both of the supports includes a clamping actuator configured for clamping the leaf spring to the support during exercise. The actuator is also configured for releasing the clamping force, thereby permitting adjustment of the position of the support along the length of the leaf spring. Lower ends of the supports are configured to permit the supports to pivot over a flat support surface as the leaf spring is flexed during exercise.

Abstract: A chiropractic adjusting device for facilitating adjustments of the skull and cervical regions of a patient, comprising a base having relatively parallel post members spaced apart and being capable of moving on the base to adjust the spacing between the members, the post members being capable of being positioned in a first mode and a second mode; wherein in the first mode, the post members support a cervical region for facilitating the chiropractic adjustment of the cervical region; and wherein in the second mode, the post members support an upper cervical region for facilitating the chiropractic adjustment of the skull region.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device that stimulates and provides chiropractic therapy to the neck and head area of the body. Using a hand-held remote control 68, the doctor or patient 12 utilizes a toggle stick 64 to perform single directional movement of the head 14 in a forward, backward, or side to side motion, or in a clockwise or counter clockwise rotational motion. The head cushion 16 includes a vibration and heating element 58 that is applied to the neck area that can be used alone or in conjunction with the directional and rotational movement. The present invention 10 cradles the head 14 within a cushion 16 that is adjustable vertically and laterally to optimize the positioning of the head and allow for comfort. The vibrating and heating element 58 is isolated from the rest of the head cushion 16 to eliminate transmission of vibrations or heat.

Abstract: A cervical therapy device for providing continuous passive motion to the head or neck of a patient includes a patient's support such as a chair and an upwardly extending frame which extends upwardly above the chair. The frame supports a two piece neck bracket for fitting around a patient's neck. The neck bracket also includes a chin support and occipital cuff for positioning the patient's head within the bracket. The device also includes an actuator and controller for providing continuous passive motion to the head and neck of the patient. The device also includes a pair of double pivotal joint assemblies which allow a movement about two perpendicular axes with linear movement along one of the axes so that the head and neck are moved through a series of prescribed movements to relieve neck pain and/or disfunction.

Abstract: A cervical therapy device for providing continuous passive motion to the head or neck of a patient includes a patient's support such as a chair and an upwardly extending frame which extends upwardly above the chair. The frame supports a two piece neck bracket for fitting around a patient's neck. The neck bracket also includes a chin support and occipital cuff for positioning the patient's head within the bracket. The device also includes an actuator and controller for providing continuous passive motion to the head and neck of the patient. The device also includes a pair of double pivotal joint assemblies which allow a movement about two perpendicular axes with linear movement along one of the axes so that the head and neck are moved through a series of prescribed movements to relieve neck pain and/or disfunction.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the muscles around the cervical spine and/or the motional pattern of the cervical spine with a rotation exercise movement of the head, said apparatus comprising an equipment frame (1), a turning arbor (2) mounted on the equipment frame with bearings permitting rotation of the arbor about a vertical axis, a head rest element (3) for holding the head, said head rest element being connected to the turning arbor (2) and comprising means for holding the head of the person performing the exercise movement substantially immobile in the head rest element.

Abstract: Machines for treating or preventing neuromuscular pain conditions and injuries by slow patientcontrolled stretching of a muscle or group of muscles when they and surrounding muscles are in a relaxed state (i.e., with little or no extrafusal muscle fiber contractions). The machines include a fixed support such as seat. An adjustable support, such as a back or side rest is adjusted for the particular patient. A controllable support moved in an alternating motion, under the patient's control, allows the injured or painful muscle to be slowly stretched by gravity, while the muscles are relaxed. The controllable support is preferably moved by a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an entertainment and exercise device which allows exercise by placing it on a person's body and swiveling the body. The entertainment and exercise device has a flexible circular belt and a turning member rotating along the periphery of the belt. When the user wears the entertainment and exercise device on his body and swivels the body, the turning member rotates about the belt, thereby the user obtains an exercise effect and a finger-pressure effect. Also, the entertainment and exercise device of the present invention is convenient to carry and store, thereby being used for exercise irrespective of the exercising area.

Abstract: A chin and neck exercising device made from foam and which may be in the shape of a ball is disclosed. One half of the ball may be made from one type of foam and the other half of the ball may be made from another type of foam. In this way, different resistance is provided to the person using the device. The device also has a side which is cut-out so that the device is contoured to fit under the person's chin and rest on his or her neck and clavicle. The cut-out area is covered with fabric so as to provide a better grip and to prevent perspiration from contacting the ball. Various exercises may performed by the person in order to tone and strengthen his or her chin and neck muscles. While the device has been described as being formed in the shape of a ball, other sizes and shapes may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the exerciser may include a vibrator located therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for treating whiplash injury. The apparatus comprises a base unit having an upright surface, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the upright surface adjoins the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface declines radially to the bottom surface to allow rotation of a person's neck substantially coaxially along its own axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the face and neck comprises a frame with multiple perforations in its upper and lower parts for fastening flexible bands of various size and elasticity horizontally, vertical or at angles to produce elastic resistance fields for receiving a person's face to exercise facial muscles. Two ocular accessories with adjustable sockets are positioned within the frame on the flexible bands for exercise of the opening and closing of the eyelid. Support and fastening elements firmly retain the bands and accessories in place on the frame for exercising the facial muscles. A portable version of the apparatus provides handles for manually controlling the muscular pressure of the flexible bands on the facial and neck muscles.

Abstract: A pain relieving device for selectively applying three or more pain relieving modalities to an upper body region of a person. The modalities include acupressure and at least two other modalities selected from the group of vibration, massage, heat, traction and electric stimulation. The device further includes a controller for enabling an operator of the pain relieving device to select which two or more of the pain relieving modalities are applied to the person at any given time. The controller causes the pain relieving apparatus to automatically apply the selected modalities to the person.

Abstract: A new therapeutic headpiece for applying a mechanic load to a cervical and upper thoracic spine to promote bone development. The inventive device includes a cap portion dimensioned for receiving a user's head therein. A plurality of sleeves are secured to the cap portion. Each of the sleeves have open opposed ends. The open opposed ends receive weights therethrough for positioning within the sleeves. At least one cover member is provided which is removably attached to the cap portion and has a plurality of tubular sleeves for receiving weights to provide additional weight to the cap portion.

Abstract: The neck therapy exercise apparatus comprises a resistance frame in the form of a circular ring at head level of the user. The resistance frame carries pulleys thereon. The user wears a helmet with attachment eyes thereon. Weights are attached to cords which pass through the pulleys and are hooked to selected eyes on the helmet so that cervical spine muscle exercises are done against resistance which is in the plane of the head to prevent downward loading on the spine. More than one weight and cord can be used at the same time to provide torque resistance about a vertical axis. Hand grips are provided to maintain position of the torso.

Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation machine for strengthening the torso muscles and rehabilitating back injuries includes an optional leg support and an angled torso platform further having attached a plurality of vibrational therapy pads and body pads whereby the angled torso platform cradles and supports that portion of weight attributable to the upper body, or torso, of a user, and if the leg support is not used, the user supports that portion of weight attributable to the lower body with the user's feet against the bottom surface of a room, or otherwise, if the leg support is included, the user supports that portion of weight attributable to the lower body with the user's legs draped over the leg support.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided including a head, neck and thoracic supporting member spaced apart from a force receiving or hand grip member. A connecting member extends at a pre-selected angle between the head, neck and thoracic supporting member and the hand grip member. The connecting member includes at least one pivot for cooperating with a portion of a user to provide leveraging of the head, neck and thoracic supporting member via the hand grip member.

Abstract: A chin and neck exercising device made from foam and which may be in the shape of a ball is disclosed. One half of the ball may be made from one type of foam and the other half of the ball may be made from another type of foam. In this way, different resistance is provided to the person using the device. The device also has a side which is cut-out so that the device is contoured to fit under the person's chin and rest on his or her neck and clavicle. The cut-out area is covered with fabric so as to provide a better grip and to prevent perspiration from contacting the ball. Various exercises may performed by the person in order to tone and strengthen his or her chin and neck muscles. While the device has been described as being formed in the shape of a ball, other sizes and shapes may be used.

Abstract: A neck treatment apparatus for patient self-treatment, and a method for its use, with which a patient can apply repeated amounts of deep concentrated pressure to muscles in the area between the base of the skull and the first vertebra to lengthen the muscles therein and provide the patient with relief from tension and pain. The apparatus is compact in design, made from lightweight easy-to-clean materials, and comprises a single treatment member upwardly depending from the center portion of the upper surface of a base support. In the preferred embodiment the treatment member has a width dimension of approximately six inches, a thickness dimension of approximately one-half of an inch, and a height dimension of approximately four inches. In transverse cross-section, the top of the preferred embodiment of the treatment member tapers to a point to act as a wedge, having the configuration of an equilateral triangle with side dimensions each measuring approximately one-half of an inch.

Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.

Abstract: Assistance in the restoring of genetic loss of function is achieved by a method providing incremental controlled movements of the head and neck muscles and wherein the body assumes the supine, prone and left and right lateral positions, all in a horizontally aligned disposition while atop a plane surface. Head/neck lift movements are executed in an exercise series involving successive movements in a vertical and left to right direction, initially terminating with a rest pause following each head/neck lift. Following a sequence of a plurality of levels, the full muscular range of motion is obtained, in an incremental manner, through the use of a firm support element inserted beneath the upper back in certain of the levels involving the supine position, beneath the chest in certain of the levels involving the prone position and beneath the head in certain of the levels involving the left and right lateral positions.

Abstract: The pivotable cervical traction/stretch and neck curve support device comprises a base portion having an upper inclined surface for supporting a person's upper body or torso, a table or platform situated adjacent the base portion and having an upper surface and a bottom surface, a pivotable mounting mechanism attached to the base for pivotally and rotatably mounting the platform to the base in a manner allowing rotation of the platform about any one of or all of an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis. The mounting mechanism includes structure for securing the platform in a desired position, a head portion having an inner surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being in sliding contact with the platform, the head portion also having specially contoured surfaces for receiving a person's head, and a mechanism for incrementally moving the head portion on the platform away from the inclined surface.

Abstract: A pain relieving device includes a plurality of sources of pain relieving modalities selected from the group consisting of massage, vibration, acupressure and electric stimulation; and means for applying at least two of the modalities simultaneously to a selected point at the upper body region of a person.

Abstract: An exerciser device of the present invention is disposed in the mouth for exercising in the mouth through the use of tension. The exerciser device of the present invention includes a guard strip for passing over the front and sides of the upper and lower teeth. A grip piece extending form an inside of the guard strip is used for gripping and holding the guard strip in position during use. Preferably, the guard strip comprises a pair of tabs separated from each other such that the upper and lower teeth are separated from each other to avoid discomfort caused by the upper and lower teeth being clenched.