On March 21, Japan’s technology giant NEC announced a collaboration with Tokyo Medical and Dental University to develop technology that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose the causes of chronic back pain and recommend exercises to improve the condition.
NEC and Tokyo Medical and Dental University utilize AI to support self-care for chronic back pain. (Photo: acnnewswire.com)
According to reporters in Tokyo, the system combines NEC’s AI technology with the medical expertise of Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Initially, users will record videos of various postures, such as bending forward, backward, or twisting their upper bodies, and then answer questions posed by the system. The AI will assess the condition of each bone and body part and diagnose the cause of back pain. NEC states that the system includes about 30 types of exercise programs designed to alleviate lower back pain and will suggest the most appropriate exercises based on individual causes.
NEC aims to commercialize this technology following effectiveness testing through trials this year. This service is expected to be marketed to local governments, corporate health insurance associations, and healthcare facilities focused on rehabilitation. In the future, NEC plans to expand the treatment scope to include not only back pain but also neck and shoulder pain.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, back pain is one of the most common ailments in the country, often symptomatic of other illnesses or caused by injuries affecting both men and women. It can even be considered a “national disease.” However, many individuals suffering from pain do not visit hospitals for various reasons. This gap presents a business opportunity for NEC to provide services that allow people to easily check their back conditions and engage in self-training to improve their situation.
