Why do astronauts often experience back pain in space, and why is their risk of a herniated disc up to four times higher after returning to Earth? In zero gravity, muscles, intervertebral discs, and the stability of the spine undergo changes. What researchers discover about this not only helps make future missions to the Moon and Mars safer. It also opens up new approaches to better prevent and treat back pain on Earth.

Prof. Dr. Marcel Egli
Head of the National Center for Biomedical Research in Space, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, University of Zurich
Member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA)
Head of the Institute of Medical Engineering, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Art, School of Engineering and Architecture