Back pain in astronauts could lead to the development of new treatments.
- In space, under the effect of weightlessness, the spine of astronauts straightens, which makes them grow a few centimeters.
- Researchers have developed a resistance suit that helps relieve back pain for astronauts and could be applicable on Earth.
The study of the health of astronauts can improve that of humans remaining on Earth. The next example to date could well be that of back pain. American researchers at Johns Hopkins University study the effect of weightlessness on the spine of astronauts to consider treatments for people suffering from chronic back pain. They published their study in the September review of the scientific journal Anesthesiology.
In space, the spine stretches
In space, under the effect of weightlessness, the spine of astronauts straightens, which makes them grow a few centimeters. But once back on earth, the sky engineers lose this height gain under the effect of gravity and this is often accompanied by back pain. Researchers estimate that 80% of space travelers have developed back pain at some point after landing on Earth. Most of the time it goes away on its own, but astronauts are at a higher risk of sciatica and herniated disc.
The spine has an S-shaped curvature that allows it to resist gravity while remaining flexible and absorbing weight. In space, it lengthens due to the lack of ground impact, and MRIs have shown that astronauts have a smaller curvature in their spine when they return. “Stress, vibration from riding a rocket and changes to diets for astronauts in space could also cause pain”, adds the study.
Resistance Combinations to Relieve Back Pain
To prevent and alleviate this back pain, astronauts do physical resistance exercises daily, such as isometrics, squats, lunges and bench press. “These are usually the mainstays of back pain prevention”, continue the researchers. They add that massage, vitamin D and calorie supplements coupled with electrical muscle stimulation and negative pressure devices can also help.
“Insight into back pain in space travelers may provide useful information for treating back pain in other populations”, assures Steven Cohen, lead author of the study. With his team of researchers, he developed a resistance suit that relieves back pain for astronauts. If these confirm their effectiveness, they could then be deployed on Earth.
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