Astronauts Often Suffer From Back Pain

Researchers continue to investigate the health effects of long-term space flights.

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Researchers continue to investigate the health effects of long-term space flights. Experiments on DNA sequencing in zero gravity have already been carried out, data have been obtained on the negative effect of such flights on the work of the heart and liver.

The results of a new study indicate that during the flight, astronauts gain in height (up to five cm), but at the same time lose muscle mass. Increasing your height by a few centimeters may seem like a nice bonus, but in reality, such changes can cause back pain and even injury.

A research team from the University of California examined six astronauts who spent 4 to 7 months on the International Space Station. They found that the cross-section of the back muscles decreased by an average of 19% in astronauts. Six weeks after returning from the flight, the muscle mass did not fully recover, it still remained below what it was before the flight into space.

Previously, it was believed that lower back pain in astronauts is associated with swelling of the intervertebral discs during their stay in space, when the muscles are not working effectively enough, however, MRI studies have not confirmed this fact.

In any case, the researchers emphasize that astronauts need to pay more attention to exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the back and neck in order to minimize possible complications.

Source: Space Travel Shrinks, Weakens Spinal Muscles Of Astronauts Causing Back Pain And Injury

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