Flight attendants hide back pain with smiles
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By Kim Sang-hyuk
Being a flight attendant is regarded as a very stressful occupation, as they work in a small, closed, dry area and sleep-deprived environment.
As a result, many flight attendants frequently experience dry skin and eyes, back pain and sleep disorders; about 30 percent of them who fly long distance experience these three symptoms.
Spine disorders are the most frequently experienced musculoskeletal disease for flight attendants, and it accounts for 52 percent of work injuries among Canadian flight attendants. In particular, flight attendants working international flights for more than 6 hours have a higher chance of experiencing back pain.
One of the reasons for such frequent back pain among flight attendants is the intensive work load. However, other important aspects are excessive stress that frequently occurs as a byproduct of any services-providing occupation.
The nature of flight attending requires collaboration with colleagues, and team-setting is a key in providing quality services. Research studies have found that the role of the supervisor has some correlation with the back pain of the subordinates.
However, it was also found that the more important factor is social and occupational support from colleagues of a similar level, as it leads to less physical labor and a more efficient work environment.
There are also research findings on the effect of pushing the airplane trolley, on the body. When pushing the trolley, flight attendants need to lean forward. Such a position puts pressure on the body, especially with a low-height trolley.
This may result in shoulder and neck pain, and has a greater impact when climbing upward. In order to minimize the pressure on the spine, it is recommended to bend the elbows and straighten the back. Also, palms should face slightly downward. It is recommended to wear non-slippery shoes, and to avoid wearing heels higher than 8 centimeters.
Researchers also found that flight attendants suffering from back pain experience higher job demand and higher physical loads, and this results in high job dissatisfaction.
Thus, improving the working environment for the flight attendants can be one solution. However, as such improvements cannot be realized in the short term, flight attendants should pay attention to ways to maintain their back health.
For example, flight attendants should try to relax their stiffened back muscles by stretching frequently. In addition, long-distance flight attendants should maintain their back health by exercising regularly, such as jogging, swimming, cycling or light hiking. Such regular exercise will strengthen their back muscles and lessen chronic back pain.
The writer is director of the spine center at Bumin Hospital Seoul in Gangseo District. He was named in the 2014 edition of Marquis Who's Who.