Degenerative disc disease (DDD) and chronic low back pain (LBP) together represent a massive global health challenge. Current treatments often focus on symptom relief rather than addressing underlying causes. A groundbreaking review by Dr. Zhang’s team, published on Spine Research, synthesizes evidence suggesting that short-term simulated weightlessness could be a game-changing therapeutic strategy.
This review pinpoints how short-term simulated microgravity works: First, it unloads the spine, allowing compressed discs to rehydrate and regain height. Second, it stimulates the production of vital compounds like glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to repair the disc’s supportive extracellular matrix (ECM). Third, it activates key cellular signals (e.g., the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway) that promote tissue regeneration.
The research evaluates practical ground-based techniques to achieve this effect—from costly parabolic flights to more accessible options like water immersion and patient-friendly dry immersion therapy. These techniques are particularly valuable for athletes, whose spines endure persistent high stress, serving as a powerful rehabilitation tool to relieve nerve pressure, correct spinal alignment, and lower re-injury risk.
Compared to surgery or medication, this approach targets underlying pathological processes directly. Unlike local traction, it unloads the entire spine systemically and can be combined with posture training for enhanced results, with progress tracked using standard Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and VAS pain scores.
While current evidence comes mainly from early-stage studies, the potential is significant. The review calls for full-scale clinical trials and integrated rehabilitation programs. In conclusion, short-term simulated microgravity presents a paradigm-shifting, non-invasive strategy poised to transform the future of spinal care and sports medicine.
The work titled “Exploring short-term microgravity as a therapeutic intervention for spinal degeneration and disc space narrowing: A narrative review”, was published on Spine Research (accepted on Sept. 17, 2025).
DOI：10.1097/br9.000000000000001