How CurvLabs is using wearable technology to rethink back pain treatment

UK-based startup CurvLabs has invented a wearable spinal sensor device, Curv, aimed at helping people better understand and manage their back pain. Founder Rohan Kotecha's motivation stemmed from a personal crisis - he had experienced the limitations of the traditional healthcare system and was seeking a more comprehensive solution.

Curv is designed to be worn as a strip of kinesiology (KT) tape along the spine, containing sensors embedded in the material. The device tracks spinal movement throughout the day, analyzing range of motion, velocity, and the motion of different sections of the spine. This information is then transmitted to a mobile phone application, providing real-world data for users to understand their body's movements.

Kotecha emphasized that back pain is not caused by poor posture but rather by how individuals move throughout their day. He stressed the importance of continuous movement and avoiding the fixation on holding a 'perfect' posture. The Curv device was developed based on clinical research and consultations with healthcare professionals, physiotherapists, and clinicians, rather than relying on popular myths or hype.

Although initially intending for Curv to be marketed to older adults, the target demographic turned out to be younger individuals aged between 18 and 65, primarily desk workers. Many of these users are already tracking other health metrics with wearables, and the Curv device aims to complement these efforts by offering insights into spinal movement and promoting a more active, pain-free lifestyle.