Back pain in helicopter aircrew: a literature review

Abstract

Back pain in helicopter aircrew has been reported by the med services of many countries. The problem is compared to the similar phenomenon of back pain in civilian industrial groups, particularly drivers and the operators of heavy equipment. In both drivers and helicopter aircrew, posture and vibration exposure have been identified as causes of the back pain. The significance of these factors, and the mechanisms that relate them to the discomfort, and possible solutions are discussed.