Detrimental Effects of Space Flight on the Lumbar Spine May Be Correlated to Baseline Degeneration: Insights From an Advanced MR Imaging Study

Authors

Rakan Bokhari
Daniel G Bisson
Maryse Fortin
Marie Vigouroux
Juan Pablo Cata
Ken-Pin Hwang
Melissa M Chen
Guillermo Ceniza-Bordallo
Jean A Ouellet
Pablo M Ingelmo

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal

Journal of Pain Research

Abstract

Introduction: Pain in lower back is a common condition reported by astronauts, both during and after space missions. Investigating the alterations in the spine and the mechanisms driving these changes is essential for a deeper understanding of how microgravity impacts the human spine. This knowledge could also open pathways for therapeutic or preventive interventions. Nevertheless, there is a limited evidence regarding changes in intervertebral discs (IVDs) due to space travel.

Materials and methods: In this study, 2 astronauts were enrolled in a space travel. Before the space flight, a lower back magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed. We repeated an MRI instantly after 17-days space travel, and again 3 months after landing. The water content and glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) levels in the lumbar IVDs were evaluated using DIXON water-only phase imaging and T1rho MRI sequences. Additionally, alterations in the size and quality of the paraspinal muscles (PSMs), including fatty infiltration, were examined.

Results: Varied alterations were observed in the IVDs and PSMs of both astronauts. One astronaut experienced a reduction in water and GAGs content, while the other showed an increase. These changes in the IVDs following spaceflight appeared to be linked to the degree of baseline degeneration. Regarding the PSMs, differences in size and fatty infiltration also varied between the two astronauts. Notably, these changes had not stabilized by the final follow-up at 3 months.

Conclusion: Our findings offer initial evidence indicating that even brief exposures to microgravity might be linked to biochemical alterations in IVDs and changes in the quality of PSMs, which could continue evolving for more than 3 months after returning from space.

Keywords

MRI, neuroimaging, spaceflight, spine, low back pain

DOI

10.2147/JPR.S492600

PMID

40124538

PMCID

PMC11930261

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-19-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes