Abstract: A device and method for applying intermittent passive traction (IPT) that includes an initial phase followed by a sustained traction phase and finally a relaxation phase. During the first phase of IPT, the spinal elements are placed under gentle traction. This period of time reduces the normal forces across the vertebral bodies, facet joints, paraspinal musculature, etc. The second phase holds the spine in sustained traction, further reducing the forces across the spinal elements, encouraging natural healing to occur and allowing the muscles a period of relaxation. The third phase includes the gradual reduction of traction. During this final phase, the normal forces across the spine are reestablished as the IPT device slowly releases traction. The method resolves many of the most limiting problems associated with traction, CPM, and passive treatment modalities.

Abstract: An ambulatory spinal unloading method and apparatus are implemented by first defining a set of desired human characteristics and/or parameters and then implementing an ambulatory traction and cushioning apparatus structure based on the set of human characteristics/parameters to achieve a desired minimum level of residual cushioning, without restrictively binding any portion of a user's thorasic region, upon deactivating the biasing force applied to the associated apparatus tensioning and/or compression mechanism(s).

Abstract: An ambulatory spinal unloading method and apparatus are implemented to achieve a desired minimum level of residual cushioning in response to a biasing force applied to the associated apparatus tensioning and/or compression mechanism(s). The ambulatory spinal unloading apparatus may further include a treatment system to provide desired levels of nerve and/or muscle stimulation in addition to hot and/or cold elements to provide further therapeutic effects as desired or necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable lumbar traction vest capable of both preventing spinal injuries, and facilitating the healing of existing spinal injuries. As disclosed, the vest of the present invention comprises an upper torso member, a lower belt member, and a plurality of vertical support members fixedly attached at each end to the upper and lower members, wherein each of the vertical support members contains therein an inflatable bladder in fluid connection to an inflation means.