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In the science and technology section of Informativos Telecinco, Flora Gonzalez explained the effects of space on the bodies of astronauts, all after spending a considerable number of days, that is, Jesus Calleja in the 4 minutes he was there experienced nothing.
The spine, due to the lack of gravity, is the one that suffers the most, although the person can grow a few centimeters. But how is this possible? And more importantly, how much can you grow in space?
This is what happens to our bodies in space
This is because the column is composed of vertebrae separated by discs, which are flexible cartilage structures. On Earth, gravity acts on these discs, but outside of it, it does not, which allows them to expand, thus lengthening the column
Astronauts can grow two to five centimeters during their stay in space. Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai explained that he grew as much as nine centimeters after his stay on the International Space Station, although when he returned to Earth that figure was reduced to two centimeters.
The bad news is that this increase in height is only temporary, as once back on Earth, the discs slowly compress again. In fact, this is worse than it seems, as it can lead to back pain or a herniated disc.
The back muscles, being in constant rest, weaken, which makes this situation worse. A 2016 NASA study says that 28% of astronauts have had some sort of back problem.
To avoid this, intensive exercise programs have been implemented during missions to prevent it. All of them are focused on the back, although there are exercises for the whole body, as well as for both muscles and bones.