Originally Posted by
montezume
This is probably the worst place to ask about this. Most people fly Y exclusively without problems. Lots of those people have back problems. Although I will probably be accused of being a Royal Canadian whatever it is, if you only fly a few times a year, one can make do in Y. Especially on a TATL in a 330.
I last read that 20% or so of the population has back issues.
The severity will vary per person. Obus is a great idea for anyone suffering from back problems. My back pain became prevalent when I started flying heavily (on AC in Y) as a matter of fact. I haven't gotten it nailed down to the point where I'm as efficient as YOWgary (since he knows exactly what he needs to help alleviate his).
That being said, traveling with things like Obus (and for me also a temperpedic pillow) can be onerous and everything one can do to minimize back pain is awesome.
I have been prescribed narcotics, that's how bad it is (although I refuse to take them). Obus is my #2 friend.
Actually traveling with it became so annoying that I ended up just "suffering through it". But yeah, if one flies a few times a year, bring the thing along. Your back will thank you for it.