Neck Pain Among Fighter Pilots After the Introduction of the JHMCS Helmet and NVG in Their Environment

LANGE B, TORP-SVENDSEN J, TOFT P. Neck pain among fighter pilots after the introduction of the JHMCS helmet and NVG in their environment. Aviat Space Environ Med 2011; 82:559-63. Introduction: Neck pain is a common complaint among fighter pilots. With implementation of the joint helmet mounted cuing system (JHMCS), the strain on the pilot's neck has increased. Methods: We surveyed 58 F-16 pilots from the Royal Danish Air Force by anonymous questionnaires. More than half of these pilots used JHMCS regularly. Results: The response rate Was 100%. Of the pilots, 97% experienced neck pain in flight or shortly after flying, 83% within the last year. Right side neck pain was significantly more frequent than left side, odds ratio 3.25. There was a strong tendency toward predominant right-sided shoulder pain. The pilots reported that combined rotation and extension movements were especially hazardous. Only 1 in 10 pilots moved his head independent of G-load Neck pain influenced operational flying, especially the ability to perform a check six movement sufficiently, and affected flying with high G loads as occurs in basic fighter maneuvers and air combat maneuvering. Discussion: To avoid neck problems the majority of pilots aim to avoid certain head movements and to fix their neck before exposing themselves to high +G(z) loads. With the implementation of JHMCS, two conflicting goals are evident and working at cross-purposes. A pilot's head should remain stationary while exposed to high +G(z) loads. However, maximizing the advantages of JHMCS encourages the pilot to move his head sharply while exposed to high +G(z) loads. Training programs, to help the pilots cope with these challenges are warranted.