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Staying on the International Space Station (ISS) for six months can cause astronauts to gain 2 inches in height but also suffer muscle loss and back pain, says a new study. The temporary height gain is linked to a weakening of the spine’s supporting muscles. Reports of back pain among astronauts date back to the late 1980s, with over half of US astronauts reporting such discomfort, particularly in their lower backs. Moreover, in the year following their mission, astronauts have a 4.3 times higher risk of a herniated disc.
This spinal health issue has been a cause for concern, prompting a study into possible causes of astronauts’ back problems. The research primarily focused on intervertebral discs, considered the main catalyst for back issues for astronauts. However, the study found minimal changes in the discs’ height or swelling. Instead, it was observed that the muscles supporting the lumbar spine undergo degeneration and atrophy during space missions.
In the absence of gravity, the torso lengthens due to spinal unloading, which flattens the spinal curvature. Lack of use of lower back muscles due to the astronauts’ failure to bend over or move like they would on Earth results in pain and stiffening. MRI scans both before and after the missions showed these muscles decrease by 19% during space missions. Following six weeks of training and reconditioning on Earth, only around 68% of this loss could be restored.
This poses a serious issue for long-term manned missions, including potential trips to Mars, leading to extensive muscle atrophy and deconditioning. Future research will focus on reported neck issues, where muscle atrophy and slower recovery periods are even more common. As a countermeasure to back pain and muscle loss, Chang suggested additional core-strengthening exercises for the spine to be included in the astronauts’ daily workouts on the space station.
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