Your neck is a complex structure that supports the top of your spine as well as your spinal cord in addition to holding and moving your hefty head. Even while your neck is sturdy and adaptable, it is nonetheless susceptible to harm when participating in some sports, especially horseback riding, hockey, and football.

The top of your spinal column, or cervical spine, is situated in your neck. It is made up of bones called vertebrae that span the length of your spine, along with muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, and other structures. The spine contains cushion-like discs that act as shock absorbers and let you move and bend your neck and back in between each pair of two neighbouring vertebrae.

It’s crucial to visit an orthopaedic doctor for a thorough evaluation if you’ve experienced a neck injury or if your neck pain is persistent or severe. Your best and most efficient course of therapy will be provided by this doctor.

Types of Neck Injury While Playing Sports

Regular athletic activity can wear down the neck’s muscles and ligaments, and some sports considerably increase your risk of suffering a neck injury. The neck is susceptible to a wide range of injuries, from a little strain to a catastrophic fracture.

The following are some of the most typical neck injuries in sports:

Neck Sprain

When one or more neck ligaments are strained or damaged, a sprain can result. The hefty, fibrous fibres known as ligaments hold two bones in a joint together.

A violent fall or quick movement that forces the neck to bend dramatically and awkwardly can induce sprains in the neck. Pain, especially at the back of the neck, is one of the signs of a neck sprain. The pain tends to worsen a day or two after the accident or with activity. Headaches, neck stiffness, and upper shoulder muscle spasms are some other symptoms.

Whiplash

A strong collision while participating in a sport might result in whiplash, which is characterised by a sudden forward-then-backward movement of the head and neck. Whiplash is typically associated with auto accidents, although it can also occur during sports.

The first sign, which can appear immediately after the accident or days later, is neck ache. Other signs and symptoms may include neck stiffness, vertigo, headaches, restricted neck motion, and paresthesia (tingling, numbness, burning, or prickling sensations).

Cervical Fracture

A broken neck is another name for a cervical fracture. When one or more of the neck’s seven cervical vertebrae break, this happens.

A significant fall in gymnastics, football, hockey, or diving is one example of a high-energy trauma that frequently causes a broken neck. The spinal cord may be damaged as a result of a vertebral fracture, which can result in temporary or permanent paralysis or even death. A doctor needs to treat it right away.