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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Health & Science

Netizen's 'belt trick' for in-flight back pain lacks medical proof, doctor warns of circulation risks

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A netizen suggested using a belt to tie the thighs while flying to prevent back pain, claiming it improved comfort.
  • An orthopedic doctor stated there is no scientific evidence supporting this method and warned that tying too tightly could impede blood circulation.
  • The doctor advised that prolonged sitting, poor posture, and insufficient seat support are the main causes of back pain during flights.

A suggestion circulating online claims that tying one's thighs with a belt during flights can alleviate back and hip pain, with one user reporting significantly improved comfort on long journeys. The advice, shared on Threads, also cautioned against tying too tightly and recommended using easily detachable straps for safety.

There is currently no reliable medical evidence to show that 'tying the thighs with a belt while flying' can prevent or improve back pain.

— Dr. Chang Yao-yuanAn orthopedic doctor's statement on the lack of scientific evidence for the proposed method.

However, Dr. Chang Yao-yuan, an orthopedic specialist at Hsinchu Tong-Hsin General Hospital, dismissed the claim, stating there is no reliable medical evidence to support it. He explained that common causes of discomfort during flights include maintaining the same posture for extended periods, muscle tension around the spine and pelvis, inadequate seat support, and joint stiffness from prolonged sitting.

Dr. Chang suggested that while some individuals might feel more stable and reduce the need for frequent posture adjustments by lightly securing their legs, this subjective comfort does not equate to preventing back pain. He specifically warned that overly tight bindings could negatively impact lower limb blood circulation, a risk already elevated by long-haul flights due to the potential for deep vein thrombosis.

If the legs are moderately secured, some people might feel their posture is more stable and they adjust their posture less frequently, thus feeling more comfortable subjectively; but this does not mean it has the effect of preventing back pain.

— Dr. Chang Yao-yuanThe doctor explaining the potential subjective comfort versus actual medical efficacy of the method.

The doctor emphasized that the fundamental causes of back pain during flights are not addressed by this method. He advised focusing on proper posture, regular movement, and ensuring adequate seat support instead of relying on unproven techniques.

Tying too tightly may affect lower limb blood circulation. Long-haul flights themselves increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, so it is not recommended to use overly tight straps to secure the thighs.

— Dr. Chang Yao-yuanA warning about the potential health risks associated with the proposed method.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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