Athletic Injuries of the Cervical Spine

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Athletic Injuries of the Cervical Spine

Date Added: June 08, 2011 03:57:25 PM

Over half of all sports injuries inflict the cervical spine. If you are currently experiencing neck or cervical spine pain, this may have occurred during a sports activity. These types of injuries are common and effect athletes of all ages. Fortunately, there are a number of natural, non-invasive treatment options available depending on the type of injury inflicted.

What is the Cervical Spine?

Your cervical spine starts at the base of the skull with seven small vertebrae accompanied by eight pairs of cervical nerves. These components are supported by a complex and delicate musculoskeletal system including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It doesn’t take a lot impact or over exertion to damage these delicate vertebrae or nerves. Generally, the types of cervical injuries are of an acute manner, such as damage to a disc.

Sports that Impact the Cervical Spine

10 to 15% of all football players at some point have a cervical injury. Other contact sportsthat are responsible for the injuries to the cervical neck include rugby, lacrosse, hockey, boxing and wrestling. A number of non-contact sports also contribute to cervical spine injuries in athletes; these include diving, figure skating, surfing, and weightlifting.

Cervical Spine Injuries & Treatments

Athletes generally experience what is called an acute injury, or a sudden injury that causes immediate painful results, but does not permanently affect the athlete.

Acute Cervical Injuries & Treatment Options:

Whiplash - Any sport where there is a sudden physical impact between another player or obstacle may cause whiplash. Chiropractic Care and Spinal Decompression are most commonly used to treat this type of trauma.
Cervical sprains/strains - Football, gymnastics, and hockey are just a few sports that may result in a neck injury. Physical therapy may be necessary if the injury is severe, in this case there may be a torn ligament. Otherwise, ice and rest may be the best solution.
Intervertebral disc injuries - Cervical herniated discs and bulging discs are popular in any of the previously mentioned sports. Chiropractors may utilize Cold Laser Therapy and Spinal Decompression to relieve the pain associated with these common spine conditions.
Cervical fractures and dislocations - Unfortunately, these conditions generally require an invasive procedure to correct the damage.
Cervical Stenosis - Often spinal stenosis arises from sports trauma, which may cause pressure on the nerve roots or even on the spinal cord. Spinal Decompression and physical therapy are ideal treatments for immediate relief.

In the event of a cervical sports injury, immediate attention should be sought from a trained Chiropractor or back pain specialist. Northwest Spine Clinic is a Seattle Chiropractor with experience in sports injury therapy, and many other back problems. For more informationa bout Cervical Spine injuries or other spinal injuries and back pain, visit www.northwestspineclinic.com.