Risk factors, prevention and treatment of back pain among air force pilots

YE Chaoqun

Abstract：Objective To explore the risk factors and ways of prevention and treatment of back pain among air force pilots. Methods Literature related to neck pain, low back pain and back pain was searched via PubMed, PMC and Aeromedical Information Service (AIS) before the literature retrieved was searched a second time with risk factors, prediction, treatment, therapy and rehabilitation as the key words. The final version of literature was analyzed. Results Thirty-one papers were included. Back pain among air force pilots may occur in cervical, thoracic and lumbar areas. Most of the cases were non-specific, and low back pain was the most common. The risk factors included common factors, occupational factors, and environmental ones. The common factors were the same as those among ordinary people. The occupational factors, such as loading, flight missions, flight time, and auxiliary facilities, played an important role in back pain. The severity of back pain increased with the loading and flight time. Back pain during a flight was correlated with flight time. The morbidity of back pain among fighter pilots was higher than that among non-fighter pilots. Using night vision goggles(NVG), the joint helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS) increased the morbidity of back pain during a flight. Environmental factors, such as the space of the cabin, impact and vibration during a flight, and driving on the ground, could induce back pain. Common therapies for back pain of air force pilots included manipulative therapy, physical therapy and medical exercise therapy. The medical exercise therapy is a basic and effective measure recommended by guidelines in most countries of the world. Conclusion Back pain is a common health problem facing air force pilots in that it affects the safety of flight and leads to grounding. Common factors (age, sex, BMI, etc.), occupational factors, and environmental factors contribute to the occurrence of back pain, which can be treated or prevented if proper measures are taken.