Back Pain and flying
 

I have been flying for 18 years and have had nothing more than a common cold. I have been flying aerobatics for about half a dozen years and have started suffering some quite bad back pain. My general practicioner has suggested injecting my spine to ease the pain. Sometimes the pain is so bad I find it difficult to walk away from the aircraft. I dont want to give up aerobatics. Does anyone know if this will invalidate my CAA medical?

I'd be very careful about spinal injections on your GP's say so. They can make hings worse. I'd get referred to a rheumatologist (sp?) or a pain expert for a second opinion first.

My dad used to suffer from similar symptoms.

For years he visited many doctors, chiropractors, rheumatologists etc. Nothing really seems to make a difference. Then one day he read an article describing how dehydration could be linked to back pain.

Don’t quote me on this but as I remember, the general principle was that back pain could be caused by a water shortage in the spinal column and discs. These discs serve to cushion and support the weight of the upper body. They consist of a circle of connective tissue with a central gel-like core. This makes the spine flexible and at the same time acts as a protective buffer. A lack of water basically “dries out” the gel between the discs causing stiffness and pain.

The solution? Drink more water! So started to drink 1.5-2.0 litres of water a day. Every morning he would fill up a large plastic bottle with water and drink it throughout the day. After around a week or so the pain was gone and has not bothered him since.

Give it a go, it might work for you too. Just one word of advice, don’t stray too far from the gents on the first few days… ;)

--
HaM

Back pain
 

Tricky one, this, but back pain can be caused (or "referred", I believe the docs call it), from neck pain; go see a specialist, soonest. Alternatively, try the Filipino lady with the stiletto heels walking up and down your spine, but that's another story.... :ouch:

Have you noticed a change in degree of pain according to what you have been doing? Are high-G manoeuvres worse than inverted flight, or vice versa? Where is the pain? Is it all over or localised? Is it an ache or stabbing? Is it the same in all aircraft?

Have you tried adjusting your sitting position? You could try loosening your shoulder straps a little or folding a towel in the small of your back.

Sorry for all the questions! :O

Hi Ray, are you taking any analgesia for the pain ? I'd hate to second guess your GP, who know's more about your health than me, but I think I'd rather trial some simple painkillers, before trying an injection. There are several ones out there which should be ok to use before flying, (with the usual warning that you check with your ame blah blah).

Again, without knowing the specifics of your case, the evidence points to chiropractry, weight loss,and exercise, as effective interventions.

Physiotherapy, x-rays and rest are less effective.

PS they tell me that people who swim regularly hardly suffer back pain.

Ray hope you get your back sorted! Its a complete nightmare.
On the same subject, back pain is also trying to ruin by flying career and am just wondering if someone can help me out!! After seeing a chiroprachter he said my back pain was being caused by my leg being 7mm shorter than the other and that was the reason for my back pain when doing physical activity.
He recommended a bio-mechanics consultant with the NHS and I was reffered by my G.P.
The consultant ordered a specially designed insole to put in my shoe and it seems to have done the trick.
My problem is now having passed the aircrew medical for the RAF and joining in the next few months, am I going to get busted with a permanently Medically Unfit after they reviw my medical records!??????
Its really worrying me so hope someone can help and put my mind at rest.

Thanks

Ray,

If your backpain is so bad at the end of a flight, is it possible to fully control the aeroplane in that state.

I think you need to get your back sorted.

FD

A subject close to my heart. Are you still searching for data / advice? I have been rather intermittent re logging on due traveling, hence delay in responding.

For the moment, take an increase in pain due to compression very seriously, and I do urge not going into pain control in this manner until more is known.

An expert will be aided in diagnosing the fault by a detailed description of the pain areas...i.e. the back of the calf, knee, toes etc..

Age is a major factor. Being a (very ) active person over many years is also very significant. All of this kind of thing would have to be known.

There is little to compare with a good MRI . Good means that the consultant is generally pleased with the results from that unit.

LR

I have a few herniated discs in my spine.

So I have some spinal discomfort. I was quite suprized, considering I'm young.

-LD