Tom22 Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 Not only does the in-flight posture of helicopter pilots cause back pain, it can also be exacerbated by the vertical vibrations of the main rotor. For instance, one study found that main rotor vibrations are transmitted to the spine via the trunk of the body. In some instances, the rotor frequency is concentrated in a frequency that matches the resonate frequency of the spine, creating higher stress factors. de Oliveira CG, Nadal J. Transmissibility of helicopter vibration in the spines of pilots in flight. Aviation,Space,and Environmental Medicine 2005; 76:576–580. Quote
Tenacious T Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 Yes it does. I have a mesh lumbar support from Sporty's that helps. Quote
Trans Lift Posted April 13, 2011 Posted April 13, 2011 After an 6-8 hour day in the seat my lover back gets fairly sore. My posture in the seat is not good. I usually use a lumbar support and that helps my posture and lower back from becoming fatigued! Quote
turbo Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 i take vitamin D3 and my back feels %90 better. a miracle for me. Quote
wulfman76 Posted May 9, 2011 Posted May 9, 2011 i take vitamin D3 and my back feels %90 better. a miracle for me. Biggest thing for me was getting a good seat like Oregon aero and as much lumbar support as you can. I actually found a really good lumbar mesh one from the auto dept at walmart for about 10$. It amazes me how alot of very expensive a/c can have such horrible seats. Another one that helps is to stretch before you start the day. i know it sounds funny and you will get a few funny looks but it works. A couple minutes of toe-touches and side bends(whatever they're called) really help loosen up and relax my back muscles. Try it, i bet you will agree. 1 Quote
iRotor Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 A good rolled up bath towel works great for lumbar support in those Robinson seats. I fly 6-8 hours a day and it makes a world of difference! Quote
ADRidge Posted May 10, 2011 Posted May 10, 2011 Honestly the best thing that ever happened to my back was breaking my L4 in a car accident. Spent two years in a back brace, so I have excellent posture in the helicopter. Stretching is your friend, and will absolutely help your posture too. Quote
Tenacious T Posted May 11, 2011 Posted May 11, 2011 A lumbar support, stretching, and chiropractic works for me. I am trying to get away from taking anti-inflammatories they are hell on your liver. Quote
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