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Hidden dangers in sports: Which sports activities are most likely to cause cervical spine fractures?
Every year, a large number of sports enthusiasts are injured while participating in sports activities, and cervical fracture is one of the serious injuries. Medical experts point out that cervical fractures often occur in some high-impact, high-contact sports. Let us explore these dangerous sports activities and their potential risks.
Causes of cervical fractures
A cervical fracture, also known as a broken neck, usually requires considerable force to cause it. These injuries are common in traffic accidents and accidental falls. Severe twisting of the neck or a strong impact can also cause cervical fractures. According to new research, high-energy trauma is more common among younger people, while low-energy trauma is more prevalent among older people.
In many sports activities, the shift of body weight or violent collision may cause injury to the cervical spine.
High-risk sports
Many contact sports such as American football, soccer (especially goalie), ice hockey, rugby, and wrestling carry a higher risk of cervical fractures. For example, the "spiking" behavior in American football may cause cervical spine injuries. Similarly, there is a risk of cervical fractures in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, skiing, diving, surfing and mountain biking.
Special Case Analysis
Not only general sports, but also certain puncture-type neck trauma, such as during hanging, can cause cervical vertebrae fractures. In such cases, death often occurs within minutes due to the force applied destroying the cervical spine structure.
Methods of diagnosing cervical fractures
If a cervical fracture is suspected, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and physical examination. Commonly used prediction rules that can help determine the need for medical imaging include the Canadian Cervical Spine Rule and the NEXUS study. For children and adults, commonly used imaging methods include CT scans and X-rays, among which CT scans are more suitable when more serious diagnoses are required.
Timely imaging examinations can detect structural abnormalities of the cervical spine early and avoid further damage.
Basic process of treating cervical fractures
When opportunity permits, early and complete immobilization is critical for patients with cervical spine fractures. This process mainly involves the use of a cervical collar for immobilization to prevent further spinal cord damage. Some patients may need medication to control pain, and long-term physical therapy to help restore neck muscle strength.
Use of cervical collars and immobilization devices
For minor cervical fractures, a cervical collar can be used for fixation. More rigid supports such as the SOMI mount and the Minerva mount can also be used to provide additional stability. The use of these auxiliary devices effectively reduces further impact on the spine during exercise.
In certain cases, surgical treatment with dental cleaning may be necessary to address spinal cord compression.
Accidents and Sports Safety
Accidental injuries are ubiquitous in life, but through education and proper prevention measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidental injuries during sports. For sports participants, recognizing the characteristics and potential risks of their own sports is the first step to avoiding injuries.
Rethinking sports safety
Exercise is an activity that improves health, but it also carries risks. We must think: How can we protect our spine safety while enjoying sports to avoid cervical spine injuries?
