Is it possible to prevent neck injuries?

Rules and Equipment

It is very important that sports have rules designed to limit the risk of injury. For example, there may be rules against head and neck tackles in ice hockey and American football, or a ban on elbow-to-head tackles in football. Athletes must have equipment that reduces the risk of injury where available, such as for example, the correct type of helmet in skiing. Equally important, if not even more so, is that athletes respect the rules.

What athletes can do

Athletes can help prevent acute neck injuries by strengthening their neck muscles and improving their coordination and reaction time. In addition, athletes should train for and be more aware of risky situations and how to handle them in their sport, such as one-on-one situations in football and ice hockey, and falls while skiing or cycling.