Back pain is frequently reported by astronauts during the early phase of space flight as they adapt to the microgravity environment. However, the epidemiology of space adaptation back pain has not been well defined. The purpose of this retrospective study was to develop a case definition of space adaptation back pain, determine the incidence of space adaptation back pain, and determine the effectiveness of available treatments. Medical records from the Mercury, Apollo, Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), Skylab, Mir, International Space Station (ISS), and Shuttle programs were reviewed. All episodes of in-flight back pain that met the criteria for space adaptation back pain were recorded. Pain characteristics, including intensity, location, and duration of the pain were noted. The effectiveness of specific treatments also was recorded. The incidence of space adaptation back pain among astronauts was determined to be 53% (384/722). Most of the affected astronauts reported mild pain (85%). Moderate pain was reported by 11% of the affected astronauts and severe pain was reported by only 4% of the affected astronauts. The most effective treatments were fetal positioning (91% effective) and the use of analgesic medications (85% effective). This retrospective study aids in the development of a case definition of space adaptation back pain and examines the epidemiology of space adaptation back pain. Space adaptation back pain is usually mild and self-limited. However, there is a risk of functional impairment and mission impact in cases of moderate or severe pain that do not respond to currently available treatments. Therefore, the development of preventive measures and more effective treatments should be pursued.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Space Adaptation Back Pain: A Retrospective Study


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    80th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) ; 2009 ; Los Angeles, CA, United States


    Publication date :

    2008-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Space Adaptation

    NTRS | 1991


    LOW BACK PAIN ALLEVIATION TOOL

    AKIYOSHI SHOGO | European Patent Office | 2016

    Free access

    Pathophysiology of Low Back Pain

    Zoppi, M. / Beneforti, E. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002