Disc herniations in astronauts: What causes them, and what does it tell us about herniation on earth?
Daniel Ludovic BelavyMichael AdamsHelena BrisbyBarbara CagnieLieven DanneelsJeremy FairbankAlan R HargensStefan JudexRichard A ScheuringRoope SoveliusJill UrbanJaap H van DieënHans-Joachim WilkePublished in: European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society (2015)
Based on literature review the most likely cause for lumbar IVD herniations was concluded to be swelling of the IVD in the unloaded condition during spaceflight. For the cervical IVDs, the knowledge base is too limited to postulate a likely mechanism or recommend approaches for prevention. Basic research on the impact of (un)loading on the cervical IVD and translational research is needed. The highest priority prevention approach for the lumbar spine was post-flight care avoiding activities involving spinal flexion, followed by passive spinal loading in spaceflight and exercises to reduce IVD hyper-hydration post-flight.