Originally Posted by
ForeverFO
How many ex-fighter guys out there have had chronic back problems after leaving the military? I've torn and spasmed the muscles around my spine and neck so many times during active duty, that it's now probably 50% scar tissue by weight.
I'm really tired of it. I'll be OK for a few months, then end up fetal from the pain, unable to move. I've talked to other guys and many of them have long-term problems as well. How common is it? Any suggestions on how to get fully healed?
It's not bone or disk, just the supporting muscle around the spine. I don't think our bodies were designed for the punishment. And the more modern aircraft can sustain the high G loadings for a much longer period of time.
This sucks. Tired of being in pain.
I'm assuming you have been through the medical wickets already (Xrays/MRIs etc)? Hopefully you did that while on AD so it's documented in terms of VA benefits. My experience has been the diagnosis in pinpointing the problem was the key for me to get on the right activity level to preclude further aggravation or injury, while still being able to fly comfortably. Every case is different so there really isn't a one stop answer per se. I would say if your is diagnosed to be muscular in nature you're in good shape. Having had some of the same symptoms as you, and having been diagnosed with DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease aka arthritis) I'd bet you have something other than muscular issues going on, but I'm not a doc. If you haven't, get an MRI, it will tell you what's wrong with your back.