From the physio's room -- head and neck injuries

By Ray Simpson

Feb 21, 2018

From the physio's room -- head and neck injuries

 In the latest of his series on football injuries, our club physio, Dave Bracken, writes about...

Rear view of a young man holding her neck in pain, isolated on white background, monochrome photo with red as a symbol for the hardening

In the latest of his series on football injuries, our club physio, Dave Bracken, writes about head and neck injuries (H and NI).

In international football since the 1998 FIFA World Cup, head and neck injuries have accounted for 13% of all injuries reported. Special attention must be given to H+NI to avoid prolonged courses of treatment and rule out more serious injuries.

The most common cause of H+NI in football is due to a heading duel (60%). During a match it is difficult to differentiate what type of H+NI has occurred. Depending on the injury, it may require a different type and sometimes opposing treatment approach.

Post match a Chartered Physiotherapist will do a standardized neuromuscular assessment which will help to determine an appropriate course of injury management. Any player with a suspected H+NI should be carefully monitored for any deterioration.

Do we refer for Imaging or not?

MRI- In most cases this is not necessary. If however, the club Physio does not feel able to adequately assess and evaluate a player’s injury then the player will be referred for further investigation.

Xray- a routine xray would be advised if the club Physio is unable to ‘clear’ the neck in his/her clinical assessment.

CT- In cases where more detailed examination that an xray is required.

Prevention of Head and Neck Injuries:

Although H+NI are uncommon in football it is important to be able to identify the type of H+NI that has been sustained eg Brain/ Cervical Spine. Speak to your local Sports Physiotherapist and they may be able to help you. A key point to note is that players who return to play before their symptoms have fully resolved, are more at risk of sustaining a further H+NI.

If you do not have a Chartered Physiotherapist associated with your club/ team Imagine Physiotherapy Clinics are able to offer advice and support to your club coaches/ parents by contacting us on the above details. Keep an eye out for our Therapist Online Service coming soon, updates are on their way.

Here's Dave's previous column about hamstring injuries -- you can read it here http://darlingtonfc.co.uk/from-the-physios-room/