Nasa reveals truth about back pain and Mars mission
HEIGHT GAIN........... MORE PAIN!
Astronauts can gain as much as 3 inches (7.6 cm) on space flights because
microgravity eliminates the compressing effect of the body’s weight
This is phenomenon known as SPINAL UNLOADING which results in
1) 70% of astronauts experiencing low back pain in space
2) 50% suffer from severe low back pain/sciatica
3) 4 x increased likelihood of intervertebral disc herniation
SPACE TRAVEL DISRUPTS NORMAL DISC METABOLIC CYCLE
1) Intervertebral discs do not have a good blood supply and as a result they do not
metabolise very efficiently (blood supply is essential for recovery)
2) Disc metabolism requires non-weight bearing to absorb nutrients and weight
bearing to squeeze waste out
3) In a microgravity environment discs hydrate but there is not enough gravity to
compress them which results in the metabolic cycle seizing up.
THE MARS SPACE MISSION PROBLEM
NASA aims to reach Mars by 2030 but astronauts suffering from back pain is a
serious problem.
Disc herniation causing back pain and sciatica could leave astronauts unable to
function when they reach Mars
Not only excruciating for the astronauts but a waste of a 21 month round trip - you
can’t come straight back due to planetary misalignment.
