BACK PAIN- seat cushion for an ERJ-145?

[Apache 5]

Anybody flying the 145 lug around a seat cushion for use?

In the continuing succession of beat downs by this profession, I seem to have reaggrivated some back problems I developed years ago in the Army. The longer turns have just simply become almost unbearable for me now...I try and stretch in the seat, but being 6'3" I'm not able to do too much. Blowing also alot of good $$$ on a chiropractor, he's made it better, but it comes back every now and then.

So, I know its the seat...short of quitting my job, has anyone had similar experiences and found a solution? Somebody from another board recommended to me to take a look at Oregon Aero (http://www.oregonaero.com/index.htm) and get a seat cushion with lumbar support........but this was several months ago and I cant remember what he said works best in the 145.

Hopefully someone out there can share some experience/advice/anything....thanks.

 

[kingairpilot]

I don't know about the cushion, but I'll pass on what helped me in the CRJ. shout on: GET YOUR WALLET OUT OF YOUR BACK POCKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't stress that enough. My pelvis is canted almost 3degrees to the left B/C of sitting on that dammmmmmmm wallet for so many years. It is actually noticeable on xrays. Get the word out to your friends too. Oh, slim the thing out too. You don't really need to carry around your library card and social security card and all those f/a business cards and......

Hope this helps, I've been there.

ka

 

[Hawker800]

Never have flown the 145 but from my experience with back trouble do what kingairpilot said and you might keep the seat back upright improving your sitting position. Leaning back will hurt. Good luck.

 

[spacecadet1]

Fly an airplane made for adults. That may help.

 

[Oakum_Boy]

That thing looks uncomfortable, like the seats are on the floor already.

 

[EMBATP]

go to dicks sporting goods website...look for the trail seat...inflatable...i flew the 145 and now fly the 717...had sciatic nerve problems...started using the seat on the 717 and no more problems...with my wallet still in my back pocket....

 

[rickair7777]

I had a very similar problem in the CRJ...were your back problems related to static-line jumping by any chance? I figured out that these things work for me...

- Don't wear tight pants. Not even a little tight at the waist when sitting. Also a looser fit all around allows your wallet to shift around to a more comfortable place.
- Stretch every night before bed (especially on trips). Otherwise whatever muscle tweaks you develop during the day just get tighter and more agrravated at night.
- The Biggy: Hit the gym and do abs 2-3 times per week (actually you can do most of it in your hotel room). Do a variety of abs, but make sure you do reverse abs too...most gyms have a contraption for this where you lean foward, hang down, and do backwards situps.
-Most 24-hour fitness and military gyms also have a back stretching contraption that looks like a bike without wheels...this thing works wonders if you can use it even once a week.

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[DrewBlows]

I don't know about the cushion, but I'll pass on what helped me in the CRJ. shout on: GET YOUR WALLET OUT OF YOUR BACK POCKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't stress that enough. My pelvis is canted almost 3degrees to the left B/C of sitting on that dammmmmmmm wallet for so many years. It is actually noticeable on xrays. Get the word out to your friends too. Oh, slim the thing out too. You don't really need to carry around your library card and social security card and all those f/a business cards and......

Hope this helps, I've been there.

ka

Here, here!

When I started my first 121 job I got to the point where I actually fell down once when I fell out of bed. I hadn't been able to sleep on my back for years due to a sharp pain in my lower back which shot down the back of my right leg. I put my wallet in my front pocket and was able to sleep on my back (not that I make a practice of doing this) two days later. Absolutely amazing!

 

[TSA145]

http://www.relaxtheback.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?group_id=1837

 

[Razorback Flyer]

http://www.relaxtheback.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?group_id=1837

This cushion works quite well - but it can be had a a lower price than relax the back charges. Just do a Yahoo/Google search for "inflatable back cushion," or something similar. I've seen prices as low as $25 for one.

I started using this cushion when flying the J-41, and brought it over to the ERJ with me. Had SI joint problems. Didn't eliminate them, but using it and doing stretches/exercises made it much, much better.

Just don't forget to release a little air (From the cushion!!) as you climb. The overpressure can damage the fabric area near the nozzle, and cause a leak that's very hard to repair.

 

[Vanguard]

Lumbar support...get rid of your wallet like kindairpilot said. If you have pillows or blankets in the back, make a lumbar support out of them.

 

[OldManPilot]

i have an oregon aero seat that I used in the E145. it worked great, made 2-3 legs very bearable. They are expensive, but worth it.

 

[yaya]

Ask a gym trainer to show you foamy roller stretches if available at your gym. Has helped me, along with strength training for core and back.

 

[pianoman]

This may be related-

I used to always put my flight kit in the center of the cockpit, sit down, and then lug it over my lap to the side of the plane.

Then I flew with some guys who needed major back surgery after doing it that way. I started putting it on the seat first, stepping in and bracing myself with the other hand against the cockpit wall and my rear facing the glareshield before lifting the bag in, taking all the strain off my back muscles. really helped a lot, although guys did look at me like I was crazy.