Pilots and flight attendants endure a lot of stress on their bodies. Hauling, pushing, maneuvering, lifting, holding, reaching – all these movements cause wear and tear on the body. According to the Monthly Labor Review, these professionals have a high rate of disabling illnesses and injuries.
The leading injuries for flight attendants and pilots are strains and sprains. Another typical injury is fracture (for pilots), while flight attendants can sustain bruises and contusions. Changes in atmospheric pressure can also lead to illnesses. Flight attendants risk injury from boxes, barrels, and containers. Additionally, overexertion injuries are common for flight attendants, especially while lifting, pushing, or pulling objects. Falls may also occur on the job. The body parts most affected by these work injuries are the head, neck, and trunk.
A major contributing factor to the physical risks of flying is turbulence. Who hasn’t flown in or out of the Front Range and experienced this sometimes undetectable and always undesirable act of nature? Flight attendants are particularly vulnerable to getting hurt during these unpredictable cabin swings. They are generally the last to sit down and fasten a seatbelt when turbulence occurs. Some turbulence is invisible or unanticipated, and even when the pilot provides a warning, flight attendants may often continue serving and checking on the passengers first. This can lead to falls or other injury for the flight attendant.
How Chiropractic can help
Sinus issues, sciatica, and back and neck problems that flight attendants and pilots experience can be treated with chiropractic care and massage. In traditional medicine, occupational pain may be masked with medications or treated with surgery. Consider, however, how chiropractic and massage offers alternative, safe, and drug-free options for many people with stressful and painful jobs.
In an environment where the arms are persistently in a raised position, shoulder and neck problems may occur. Low back pain is another common work complaint and disability. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) can treat back pain. Chiropractors are also experts in treating neck pain.
Further, massage therapy can help treat stress as well as improve circulation. Massage manipulates the soft tissues and muscles in the body to improve health. It is not uncommon for massage therapists to work with chiropractors.
Cabin crew members also often suffer from sleep deprivation. This, too, can contribute to stress, immune system problems, poor attention, and injury. Between the lack of sleep and ruptured discs, pulled muscles, and broken bones, the Occupational Information Network in the USA said that flight attendants have the third most demanding job regarding personal health. Seeking regular wellness care, such as massage and chiropractic, can help flight staff recover from and prevent injuries.
About Discover Health & Wellness – Lakewood
Dr. Cecily Kampwerth of Discover Health & Wellness Denver is located just off South Pierce Street & West Jewell Avenue and offers patients a natural and holistic approach to health improvement and pain reduction. Services at Discover Health & Wellness include chiropractic care, spinal correction, corrective exercises, lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, allergy treatment and spinal and postural screenings.
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Discover Health & Wellness, Lakewood
6565 W Jewell Ave, #12a
Lakewood, CO 80232
(720) 535-8210