Spine injuries in sports

Abstract

Cervical and lumbar spine injuries in sport are not rare; however, they are seldom recognized. Diving; cycling; horseback riding; contact sports such as soccer, rugby, and football; and recently skiing are branches where acute spinal injuries are recognized the most common. In some instances, the outcome of acute spinal injuries can be severe. Mortality and morbidity rates in acute injuries are recorded. Chronic spinal injuries are rarely researched. Selected previous studies have indicated that microtrauma may cause degenerative changes in the cervical and lumbar spine. Acute and chronic injuries of the cervical and lumbar spine will be described in this chapter.