Star Trek legend William Shatner journeys into space, uncovering a new disease among people returning from extraterrestrial life. The impact of space travel is really not kidding.
Experts from Johns Hopkins University, United States estimate that astronauts can grow up to 7 cm during space missions. This growth is not a good thing, as it can cause chronic back pain when they return to Earth.
The weightless conditions in space make their spines straight and 'grow'. But when it returns to Earth, gravity makes the already stretched spine weak and sore.
The normal curvature of the spine is shaped like an S. This shape helps the spine to resist gravity, remain flexible, and withstand weight and impact.
However, this condition is not possible when in space because the spine becomes straight. The health problem was discovered after experts performed MRI scans on the Blue Origin flight crew earlier this month, which included William Shatner on board.
The flight made Shatner, known for his role as Captain Kirk in the space film series Star Trek, become the world's oldest person to go into space, at the age of 90. Shatner was so touched to be able to go to space like his role as Captain Kirk.
Although the journey was short, only 11 minutes, the impact of the trip was quite worrying for the health of the flight crew, especially Shatner. Especially considering Shatner's old age.
Doctors noticed a smaller curve in Shatner's spine after his return to Earth. Experts from Johns Hopkins University, analyzed existing studies, for their new research.
"Humans can 'grow' up to three inches (about 7 cm) in space as the spine adapts to microgravity," said resident doctor Dr Radostin Penchev at Johns Hopkins Hospital, quoted by the Daily Star.
"The lack of gravity allows this curvature to straighten out. As a result, this not only causes acute pain to the astronauts, but can also affect the stability of their spine when they return to Earth," he continued.
Researchers say 80% of space travelers experience back pain at some point after landing on Earth. Over time, the condition may go away on its own, but astronauts run the risk of more severe sciatica, and back pain that can radiate to the legs.
As a result, astronauts often head to the gym to relieve pain with resistance exercises such as isometrics, squats, lunges, and bench presses.