Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31370: Pain in Space: How Microgravity Affects Our Nervous System

Imagine having to treat pain without fully understanding how it behaves in space. The 'Pain in Space' experiment, led by Dr. Pablo Ingelmo from McGill University Health Center, seeks to decode how pain is perceived and managed in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). Conducted during Expedition 67, this research could revolutionize both space medicine and Earth-based pain management.

On Earth, pain is influenced by gravity, movement, and posture. In space, these variables change dramatically. Microgravity alters the body’s nervous system, muscle tone, and immune response, potentially modifying how astronauts experience and report pain. This experiment focuses on measuring changes in pain threshold, intensity, and duration, while also tracking biological markers that may correlate with these sensations.

Understanding pain in space is not just about astronaut comfort. It's critical for mission safety, performance, and long-term health. By exploring how pain signaling adapts to space, researchers can tailor treatments that are more effective under these unique conditions.

Moreover, findings from this study can help millions on Earth. Chronic pain affects over 1.5 billion people globally. Insights from microgravity could unveil new pathways in pain physiology, leading to innovative treatments for those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or neuropathy.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.