Neck and Upper Back Injuries

Injuries to the neck (cervical spine) are not uncommon in contact sports, including rugby, hockey, and football. Up to 15% of athletes participating in football sustain some cervical spine injury. Unfortunately, a large majority of neck injuries result in catastrophic injury (death or permanent disability). Upper back (thoracic spine) injuries occur less often and are seen in sports such as gymnastics, wrestling, hockey, and football, as well as other contact sports.

Overuse injuries of the cervical and thoracic spine occur in noncontact sports. In children ...