Lumbar traction system

A lumbar traction system for providing lumbar traction to a user oriented in an upright position by directing force at a base of the user's rib cage and along a caudal to cranial axis of the user, comprising:

• a traction belt comprising:
• a closure;
• and
• a plurality of brace securement elements, the traction belt sized and shaped such that an upper surface of the traction belt is in contact with the base of the rib cage without contacting the user's hips when the traction belt is donned and secured to the user;
• and
• a plurality of braces, each brace comprising a strut comprising:
• at least two strut extensions comprising:
• a proximal strut extension comprising a proximal engagement means;
• a distal strut extension;
• a support foot;
• and
• an adjustable extension lock engaged with each of the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension,
• wherein:
• each brace is connectable to the traction belt via connection of each proximal engagement means to a brace securement clip;
• the adjustable extension lock is releasably engageable with each of the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension;
• and
• the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension are engageable to define a variable length of the strut by action of the adjustable extension lock, and wherein the traction belt does not contact the user's lower abdomen or belly or the user's chest or upper rib cage thereby enabling natural breathing without compression of the lungs or other vital organs, and does not contact or interfere with the user's arms or armpits, thereby avoiding shoulder hunching and possible impingement of arm musculature and nerves, and maximizing natural arm and shoulder motion.

A method for providing lumbar traction to a user oriented in an upright position by directing force at the base of the user's rib cage and along a caudal to cranial axis of the user, comprising:

• (a) providing a lumbar traction system comprising:
• a traction belt comprising:
• a closure;
• and
• a plurality of brace securement elements, the traction belt sized and shaped such that an upper surface of the traction belt is in contact with the base of the rib cage without contacting the user's hips when the traction belt is donned and secured to the user;
• a plurality of braces, each brace comprising a strut comprising:
• at least two strut extensions, comprising;
• a proximal strut extension comprising a proximal engagement means;
• a distal strut extension;
• a support foot;
• and
• an adjustable extension lock engaged with each of the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension,
• wherein:
• each brace is connectable to the traction belt via connection of each proximal engagement means to a brace securement clip;
• the adjustable extension lock is releasably engageable with each of the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension;
• the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension are slidably engageable to define a variable length of the strut by action of the adjustable extension lock;
• and
• the traction belt does not contact the user's lower abdomen or belly or the user's chest or upper rib cage thereby enabling natural breathing without compression of the lungs or other vital organs, and does not contact or interfere with the user's arms or armpits, thereby avoiding shoulder hunching and possible impingement of arm musculature and nerves, and maximizing natural arm and shoulder motion;
• (b) establishing connection between the traction belt and the plurality of braces, comprising, in any order:
• i. provisionally affixing the traction belt to a torso of the user, the traction belt positioned below the user's rib cage;
• ii. positioning the user on a support surface in an upright position;
• iii. provisionally securing the support foot of each brace;
• iv. provisionally engaging the support foot of each brace in contact with the support surface;
• and
• v. actuating movement between the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension to a selected length to roughly fit between the provisionally affixed traction belt and the support surface;
• and
• (c) securing the lumbar traction system into engagement to accomplish spinal distraction, comprising:
• i. firmly securing the traction belt to the torso of the user ensuring contact of the traction belt at the base of at least a portion of the user's rib cage;
• and
• ii. adjusting the proximal strut extension and the distal strut extension to a length selected by the user and locking the adjustable extension lock.