Berkie System FAQ

The five anatomically precise "Berkie" pieces adhere to each other creating an infinite number of sit-upright or lie-back zero gravity positions to reduce spinal pressure and stress on the heart.

The Berkie System is designed for individuals suffering from back pain, sciatica, edema (swollen legs), supine snoring, GERD (acid reflux), arthritis, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.

There are hundreds of back aids. Why is The Berkie System different?

You're right. There are even whole stores that sell nothing but products aimed at improving back health and comfort. The problems with these products are there is no guarantee they're medically safe or effective, they are often one-size-fits-all and they're not "multi-taskers," And to add insult to injury they're expensive. The Berkie™ System was designed by an orthopedic surgeon. It is infinitely configurable so it works for any size or shape person. It is designed to comfortably facilitate positions for the whole body, from upright sitting to full recumbency so you can rest, read, work, relax or recover. You get supportive urethane foam with a layer of body sensing memory foam with a patented washable cover that keeps the components locked together in whatever position you select.

I didn't have an injury, but my back still hurts. Why?

People instinctively associate back pain with strenuous activity, but it's more commonly a symptom of deconditioned muscles and joints. Genetics play a role, but most cases are lifestyle related. Risk factors include stress, deconditioned muscles and joints, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and being overweight. Over time, these changes cause enough wear and tear that a total cure is beyond reach.

Sitting is difficult for me because of back pain. Why is this different from standing?

Good question! In famous studies, doctors measured the pressure in the lumbar discs in different positions. They found that the intradiscal pressures were higher in sitting that quiet standing, and lower still when walking. Reaching and twisting caused dramatic increases in the pressure. Lying in the "contour position" with the torso slightly elevated and the legs elevated and bent at the knees could reduce the pressure to near zero. That's why this is sometimes called the "zero-G" position, and is the position astronauts assume on take-off and landing. The Berkie™ System makes it easy for anyone to find their perfect zero-G position.

The doctor said I had an "acute lumbosacral strain." Is that as serious as it sounds?

The most common spine injury is a simple strain. Strains are often precipitated by overuse or by twisting and lifting. They are frequently accompanied by muscle spasm which can give the feeling of being "locked up." Strains are classified as:

• Acute-up to 6 weeks
• Subacute-6 to 12 weeks
• Recurrent-resolving, but returning with minimal provocation, and
• Chronic-over 12 continuous weeks.

The majority of simple strains resolve with simple measures, but a surprising number of people experience chronic or recurrent pain. Skilled intervention is necessary to rule out serious causes of back pain and give advice on the best course of management.

It seems like everyone I know has a bad back. What's wrong with us?

Here are some telling numbers:

• 85% of all US adults will suffer debilitating back pain during their life
• Back pain is the number 1 cause of lost work time
• The US spends $100 billion yearly on low back treatment, more on indirect costs
• The number of spinal fusion surgeries has tripled in the past 10 years</ul>

      …and the most amazing number of all…

• Despite this huge investment, we're really not any better off!

Although there are many causes of back pain, the vast majority stems from injury, overuse or age related wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Common medical diagnoses include lumbosacral strain, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and osteoporosis. Together, these conditions account for over 90% of all low back problems.

The anatomy (structure) and physiology (biochemical function) of the spine render it uniquely vulnerable to injury and wear. Our spinal columns have the same basic design as those of four legged animals. Since humans spend most of their waking hours upright, gravity plays a major role in spinal disease.

When I ache all over, how can I find a comfortable position for relaxing?

This requires pressure dispersed suspension. The Zen Cocoon® and Zeppelin Lounger have shredded foam particles filling plush microfiber pods in just the right blend of flexibility and support. They engulf your body in a virtually weightless state, a personal sensory deprivation zone. Many conditions respond well to this therapy, such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine or simple stress and exhaustion.

Just what is heart failure, what are the symptoms and what's the best way for me to relax?

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the medical term doctors use to describe compromised efficiency of the heart's pumping action. Symptoms include easy fatigue, labored breathing (dyspnea), sweating (diaphoresis), swelling of the legs (edema) and difficulty lying flat in bed (orthopnea). Elevation of the head helps with orthopnea just as elevation of the legs does with edema. The Berkie™ Systemadapts to give you just the right amount of head and/or leg elevation. The OneUp® leg rest safely elevates either or both legs to limit edema. Enhanced positioning can keep intimacy in your life by letting your partner provide a greater share of the energy to prevent fatigue. Sexual intercourse can be healthy as well as pleasurable vital to your emotional well being. It also burns about 200 calories, almost the same as 1/2 hour on a treadmill. Check out the photos and descriptions of the Wedge, Ramp, Wedge-Ramp Combo and Whirl for ideas.