Cervical sprains, disc herniations, minor fractures, and other cervical injuries in the athlete

Clin Sports Med. 2003 Jul;22(3):513-21. doi: 10.1016/s0278-5919(03)00003-6.

Abstract

In today's health-conscious society, more people are participating in athletic endeavors. As participation increases, so does the incidence of cervical injuries. Fortunately, most of the cervical injuries seen in sports are minor and can be treated successfully with minimal morbidity. It is important, however, to accurately assess the patient sustaining a cervical injury to rule out the presence of a more severe cervical injury. When practitioners understand the pathophysiology and treatment of common injuries, including sprains, strains, contusions, disc herniations, and simple fractures, most athletes can be returned to full function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy
  • Cervical Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries*
  • Contusions / diagnosis
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / therapy
  • Neck Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Fractures / therapy
  • Sports Medicine / methods
  • Sprains and Strains / diagnosis*
  • Sprains and Strains / therapy