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#1
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Lumbar support ideas?
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 |
#2
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Lumbar support ideas?
On Jun 16, 10:51*am, "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 Several have used relatively low-cost blood pressure cuffs. Adjustable in flight! |
#3
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Lumbar support ideas?
How about trying a back protector as used by skiers, snowboarders,
motorbikers? |
#4
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Lumbar support ideas?
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 When you are flying, likely you feel some strain if the seating is the issue. I use a pad made from conforfoam that is about 1 inch thick and 6 inches "tall" witha second layer about 3 inches tall. I position it right in the lumbar area of my back between my back and the chute. It gives good support bt won't collapse in a hard impact. A simple cover and some Velcro can make it more convenient. I can get in the glider with a slightly sore back and feel better when I get out 3 or 4 hours later. You might want to experiment with a simple pad made from a rolled up towel to get a sense of what size and shape you need. Good Luck UH |
#5
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Lumbar support ideas?
Hi,
I agree with the suggestion below about CONFOR foam and a cushion for lower back support. One cool thing about it is that you can cut it with a sharp knife or even scissors and you can shape it with sanding paper (especially when it is cold and hard) - so you can make a nice, smooth cushion of varying thickness. I sell it in several sizes and hardnesses he http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/e-a-r.htm Best Regards, Paul Remde Cumulus Soaring, Inc. wrote in message ... 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 When you are flying, likely you feel some strain if the seating is the issue. I use a pad made from conforfoam that is about 1 inch thick and 6 inches "tall" witha second layer about 3 inches tall. I position it right in the lumbar area of my back between my back and the chute. It gives good support bt won't collapse in a hard impact. A simple cover and some Velcro can make it more convenient. I can get in the glider with a slightly sore back and feel better when I get out 3 or 4 hours later. You might want to experiment with a simple pad made from a rolled up towel to get a sense of what size and shape you need. Good Luck UH |
#6
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Lumbar support ideas?
I agree with the suggestion below about CONFOR foam and a cushion for lower back support. *One cool thing about it is that you can cut it with a sharp knife or even scissors and you can shape it with sanding paper (especially when it is cold and hard) - so you can make a nice, smooth cushion of varying thickness. The weapon of choice for foam sculpting is an electric kitchen knife, usually available for less than a buck at your local thrift shop... -p |
#7
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Lumbar support ideas?
I also have back issues from time to time. For me they are triggered
during rigging. I need a self rigger I guess. I assume you wear a parachute. The trick is to get some lumbar support between the chute and you. It doesn't do much good between the chute and the glider. After buying a used Strong parachute model 305, I sent it to the factory for an inspection and repack. During that work, Strong retrofitted a lumbar support cushion into my parachute harness. Very nice and has made flying much more comfortable. I don't know if this is available separately nor if it will help you. The support is mentioned on this page but I don't see any details. http://www.strongparachutes.com/page...5_Airplane.php. Basically, the Strong item looks very much like this = http://www.autosportcatalog.com/seat...rt-cushion.cfm. $30 with memory foam. You may want to try an auto parts store or Walmart to find something like this and see if that helps. The Strong item has a strap meant to hold it in place on the chute which you might have to retrofit. Good luck. - John DeRosa |
#8
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Lumbar support ideas?
I fly with an inflatable back cushion. What's nice about it is that
you can inflate it to different sizes and thus vary the pressure on your lower back. I do have to remember when getting into the cockpit to have the bulb handy and not underneath... Juan On Jun 16, 9:03*pm, ContestID67 wrote: I also have back issues from time to time. *For me they are triggered during rigging. *I need a self rigger I guess. I assume you wear a parachute. *The trick is to get some lumbar support between the chute and you. *It doesn't do much good between the chute and the glider. After buying a used Strong parachute model 305, I sent it to the factory for an inspection and repack. *During that work, Strong retrofitted a lumbar support cushion into my parachute harness. *Very nice and has made flying much more comfortable. *I don't know if this is available separately nor if it will help you. *The support is mentioned on this page but I don't see any details.http://www.strongparachutes.com/page...5_Airplane.php. Basically, the Strong item looks very much like this =http://www.autosportcatalog.com/seat...r-support/auto.... $30 with memory foam. * *You may want to try an auto parts store or Walmart to find something like this and see if that helps. *The Strong item has a strap meant to hold it in place on the chute which you might have to retrofit. Good luck. - John DeRosa |
#9
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Lumbar support ideas?
I assume you wear a parachute. The trick is to get some lumbar
support between the chute and you. It doesn't do much good between the chute and the glider. I've tried the support between my back and the chute in my 19 but now use a small rolled towel between the chute and the seat back in my 28. In my experience between the chute and the glider is very effective. The best solution for me would be to make a fixed modification to the seat back. Andy |
#10
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Lumbar support ideas?
On Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 4:34:02 PM UTC-7, sisu1a wrote:
I agree with the suggestion below about CONFOR foam and a cushion for lower back support. Â*One cool thing about it is that you can cut it with a sharp knife or even scissors and you can shape it with sanding paper (especially when it is cold and hard) - so you can make a nice, smooth cushion of varying thickness. The weapon of choice for foam sculpting is an electric kitchen knife, usually available for less than a buck at your local thrift shop... -p or a soldering iron.... |
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