On Jun 16, 1:51*pm, "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 had a similar problem. I put a sheepskin pad between me and the
chute. On the back of the sheepskin pad I put a lumbar support
cushion form relax the back, on the back of that I put an inflatable
lumbar support cushion from Aircraft Spruce. I spent a lot of time
moving the cushion and the inflatable support around until I found the
right spot. The other thing I did was go to a trainer at the gym and
have him "modernize" my workout. Which now includes a bunch of crazy
stuff; balancing on balls, and one foot, along with all the back and
stomach exercises I have avoided for years. I slept on ice packs for
the first month and grew concerned about the possibility of developing
ibuprofen addiction, but after I got used to it, most of my back
problems went away.

SF