On Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 1:51:33 PM UTC-4, noel.wade wrote:
All -

For the third year in a row I've somehow managed to injure my back
early in the season (base of the spine/sciatic nerve). I'm beginning
to suspect its not my day-job or rigging my ship (I have a one-man
rigger); but rather my flying and seating position in the cockpit
(DG-300). Short early-season flights don't seem to cause a problem;
but a couple of long flights in a row (or a long drive in the car + a
long flight the same day) may be what's touching it off... Its
getting VERY frustrating to be bed-ridden for a couple of days (at age
33)!

So while I get going with physical therapy (again) and meds (again),
I'm thinking about ways to change my cockpit and take pressure off the
base of my spine. I've already added some seat-foam; the only other
thing I can think of is to try not to have my spine bent in such a "U"
shape.

Anyone out there have suggestions on creating a lumbar support pad?
As I understand it, the pad should sit between the parachute and my
back (not between the 'chute and the seatback). Tips or ideas would
be greatly appreciated!

--Noel

Noel,

I know a fellow that use to ride bicycles a lot and now has to sit on a cushion. The type of foam you are sitting on may not be correct for you. I have only minor back issues but I'm short and instead of using some kind of seat foam that may compress too much I read up on the Confor Foam and opted for 3 pieces of 1" each of the hard, medium and soft. I glued them together and trimmed to fit in the seat pan nicely. I then trimmed a raw cut piece of lambs wool to cover the foam and the entire pan seating area. It is great. No part of of my body hurts nor goes to sleep nor do I have any aches or stiffness after getting out of the glider. I had a job where I sat in an office chair for 25 yrs. The last 5 I had to use a mesh bottom and back ergonomic. And now I can not sit more than a few minutes in a regular chair. So, the type of foam you use may not be right for you.

Casey