Neck Injuries in Sports: Types, Risk Factors, and Recovery

Introduction -

Neck injuries are common incidents in sports. The severity of neck injuries ranges from mild to severe. Minor neck injuries include sprains, strains, and minor cuts, whereas major injuries include a fractured neck. Most of the injuries were fully recovered in the span of time. Sometimes neck injury causes paralysis of the body and death. In today's time, sports are safer than ever, and neck injury chances decreased because of the use of protective gear.

It is important to increase awareness, better training, and application of safety rules in sports to avoid these injuries. Neck injuries are common in almost all contact sports, such as soccer, rugby, and football. Injuries can also happen in non-contact Sports such as biking, cycling, and gymnastics.

How Does Neck Injury Affect the Function of the Body?

Vertebral columns exist in the axial skeleton and support the human body. The cervical region of the spinal column contains seven vertebrae from C1 to C7. The intervertebral disc separates each vertebra from the other one. A group of muscles, tendons, and ligaments help the spine in movement. The spinal cord is the connection between the brain and the body; it provides support to the head. Vertebrae C1 and C2 are directly connected with the skull and provide movement to the head. The C1 vertebra is known as the atlas, and it forms the atlanto-occipital joint to provide a nodding motion yes to the head. The C2 vertebra, known as the axis, forms the atlantoaxial joint to provide a nodding motion to the head. Injury in the cervical area can alter the function of these vertebrae and the brain and develop complications like paralysis and death.

What Are the Common Neck Injuries That Happen in Sports?

The following types of neck injuries can happen during sports -

• Cervical fractures.

• Dislocation.

• Nerve root injury (brachial plexus injury).

• Intervertebral disc injuries.

• Cervical stenosis.

• Cervical sprains.

• Transient quadriplegia.

Cervical Fracture - Cervical fractures can cause fractures of bones and vertebrae. Vigorous actions like twisting or sudden movement of the neck can result in cervical fracture. Contact sports are very aggressive and involve a great risk of injuries. A number of cases of neck fractures are reported in sports like hockey, football, kabaddi, and kushti (wrestling). Sometimes during sports, athletes get tangled or get speared with each other, which results in cervical fractures. In gymnastics, athletes are also Atlas of neck fractures because there are chances of falling. In case of a neck fracture, it is possible to suffer from neurologic symptoms. Immediate care is essential in cervical injury. Do not move the person suffering from a neck injury without professional and medical care. It is important to ensure the stability of the cervical area to stop any further damage.

• Signs and Symptoms of Neck Fracture - Signs and symptoms of neck fractures are as follows -

• Pain in the neck area (ranges from mild to severe).

• Stiffness around the neck.

• Radiating pain from neck to shoulders and arms.

• Swelling/ inflammation.

• Bruises around the neck.

• Loss of sensation.

• Sometimes paralysis can be noticed in the legs and arms. It could be half-body paralysis or full-body paralysis.

• Patients can suffer from breathing issues.

• Inability to move the neck.

Neck Sprain - Neck Sprains are the result of ligament stretch. Sprains can result from excessive movement, sudden side changes, or twisting movements. The sprain causes bending of the neck.

• Signs and Symptoms - Sign and symptom of neck sprain includes -

• Increasing pain in the back side of the neck.

• Spasm in the shoulder.

• Awkward bending of the neck.

• Stiffness around the neck.

Whiplash Injury - Any powerful impact on the neck during sports can result in a whiplash injury. Whiplash injuries can occur during sports and also in accidents. It is an injury caused due to backward and forward movement of the head.

• Sign and Symptom -

• Neck pain.

• Headache.

• Inability to move the neck.

• Burning sensation.

• Tingling.

• Numbness.

What Are the Complications of a Neck Injury?

Some complications of neck injury are as follows -

1. Spinal Cord Injury -The neck is connected to the spinal cord. If any neck injury happens, an injured spinal cord is also possible. Severe cervical injury can cause complete or incomplete spinal cord injury. In the case of complete spinal cord injury, loss of motor and sensory function it's seen. And in case of incomplete spinal cord injury, Limited action of the affected area can be seen.

2. Concussion in the Spine - Cervical injury can also lead to concussion of the spine. In this condition, dysfunction of the spinal cord can be noticed. Recovery takes two to three days. The patient can feel numbness, tingling, or burning sensation. Electric shock sensations can be felt later in life. Contact sports such as football and volleyball Have more chances of this kind of injury.

How to Diagnose Neck Injuries?

Neck injury is a medical emergency condition, and its treatment is immediately important. Proper treatment needs proper diagnosis. Diagnosis of neck injury in wall imaging tests which are as follows -

• CT Scan - Computed tomography scan helps in the diagnosis of the spinal canal and its structure.

• MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging helps in diagnosis as it produces three-dimensional images and is able to show the spinal cord and surrounding structures like nerves.

• X-Ray - X-ray Helps in clear diagnosis, as it produces images of bones. It is helpful in the diagnosis of fractured bones.

What Are the Treatment Options for Neck Injuries?

Treatment of neck injury depends upon the -

• The severity of the fracture.

• Dislocation.

• Bone fracture.

• Nerve injury.

• Presence of spinal cord injury.

• Muscle weakness.

1. Minor Fractures - Minor fractures can be treated by a cervical collar/ brace worn. Wearing a cervical collar for six to eight weeks helps heal minor fractures.

2. Surgical Treatment - Severe neck injury cases require surgical intervention to treat them. Surgical treatment includes decompression and stabilization of the spinal cord. Decompression of the spinal cord should be done immediately in a patient with a neck injury and spinal cord involvement.

How to Prevent Neck Injury During Sports?

Neck injuries during Sports can be prevented by following tips -

• Pre-sports warm-up with stretching of head and neck muscles.

• Always wear protective gear.

• Use proper techniques.

• Provide supervision for small children during sports.

Conclusion

Neck injuries are common during a sport and also very fatal to life. It can cause permanent paralysis and even death. Any direct impact, such as sprinting with the other player, falling, or injury with sports equipment, can result in neck injuries. The neck or cervical area is directly connected to the spinal cord, so it is possible that neck injury affects the spinal cord also. A person who suffers injury can feel numbness, paresthesia, pain, and restriction to movement. An injured person requires immediate treatment, and most cases get fully recovered.