Chronic Back and Neck Pain in Pilots Flying Different Aircraft

Title: Chronic Back and Neck Pain in Pilots Flying Different Aircraft

Authors: Ibrahim A Albrethen, Abdullah I Alonazi, Abdul Rahman S Alomari, Abdul Rahman I Almowssa, Hamdan A Alamri, Mesfer M Alzahrani, Nabeel S Alamri, Fayez S Alasmari, Sultan A Alzubaidi, Amani A Alramadan, Albaraa H Alqassimi

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i9.83

Abstract

Many studies have been conducted in relation to the prevalence of chronic low back pain in aviators. Other studies have been conducted in relation to the prevalence of neck pain, with few researches combining the two. This research investigates the relationship between the prevalence of persistent neck and backache in aviators. The research constitutes an articles review, with relevant articles being selected based on their discussion of the topic. A search conducted using the key words resulted in 18 relevant articles. Most of the articles discuss the prevalence of low back pain in aviators, with others looking at neck pain in different types of aircraft pilots. The results of the article review indicate a higher incidence of the symptoms in aviators compared to the general population. Helicopters have a higher incidence, with the civilian pilots having a relatively lower prevalence compared to military pilots.

References

1. Andrea P. the scope of back pain in navy helicopter pilots. California: Naval Postgraduate School Monterey; 2011.

2. Ang B, Linder J, Harms-Ringdahl K. Neck strength and myoelectric fatigue in fighter and helicopter pilots with a history of neck pain. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2005; 76(1): 375-80.

3. Cunningham LK, Docherty S, Tyler AW. Prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in rotary wing aviation pilots. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2010; 81(2): 774-8.

4. De Loose V, Van Den Oord M, Burnotte F, Van Tiggelen D, Stevens V, Cagnie B, et al. Functional assessment of the cervical spine in F-16 pilots with and without neck pain. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2009; 80(1): 477- 81.

5. De Loose V, Van Den Oord M, Burnotte F, Van Tiggelen D, Stevens V, Cagnie B, Witvrouw E, Danneels L. Individual, work-, and flight-related issues in F-16 pilots reporting neck pain. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2008; 79(3): 779-83.

6. De Oliveira CG, Nadal J. Back muscle EMG of helicopter pilots in flight: effects of fatigue, vibration, and posture. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2004; 75(1): 317–22.

7. Drew W. Spinal Disease in Aviators and Its Relationship to G-Exposure, Age, Aircraft Seating Angle, Exercise and Other Lifestyle Factors, Defense Technical Information Center Compilation Part Notice ADPO10561. London: Routlege; 1999.

8. Drew W. Spinal symptoms in aviators and their relationship to g-exposure and aircraft seating angle. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2000; 71(2): 22-30.

9. Froom, P, Barzilay, J, Caine, Y, Margaliot, S, Forecast, D, Gross, M. Low back pain in pilots. Aviat Space Environ Med 1986; 57: 694-5.

10. Grossman A, Nakdimon I, Chapnik L, Levy Y. Back symptoms in aviators flying different aircraft. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2012; 83(1): 702–5.

11. Hansen OB, Wagstaff AS. Low back pain in Norwegian helicopter aircrew. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2001; 72(4):161-4.

12. Kåsin JI, MansfielD N, Wagstaff A. Whole body vibration in helicopters: risk assess-ment in relation to low back pain. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2011; 82(1): 790-6.

13. Nevin RL, Means GE. Pain and discomfort in deployed helicopter aviators wearing body armor. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2009; 80(5): 807-10.

14. Orsello CA, Phillips AS, Rice GM. Height and in-flight low back pain association among military helicopter pilots. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2013; 84(2): 32-7.

15. Salmon DM, Harrison MF, Neary JP. Neck pain in military helicopter aircrew and the role of exercise therapy. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2011; 82(2): 978-87.

16. Simon-Arndt CM, Yuan H, Hourani LL. Aircraft type and diagnosed back disorders in U.S. Navy pilots and aircrew. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1997; 68(3): 1012-8.

17. Sovelius R, Oksa J, Rintala H, Siitonen S. Neck and back muscle loading in pilots flying high G z sorties with and without lumbar support. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2008; 79(1): 616-9.

18. Van Den OM, De Loose V, Sluiter JK, Frings- Dresen MHW. Neck strength, posit-ion sense, and motion in military helicopter crew with and without neck pain. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2010; 81(2): 46-51.

19. Wagstaff, AS, Jahr KI, Rodskier S. +G_z-induced spinal symptoms in fighter pilots: operational and individual associated factors. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2012; 83(3): 1092-6.

Corresponding Author

Ibrahim A Albrethen