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Soccer causes degenerative changes in the cervical spine
Alparslan Kartal1, Ibrahim Yildiran, Alparslan Senköylü
1Cankaya University, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Soccer players show early cervical spine degeneration, with veteran players exhibiting more pronounced changes. This is likely due to repetitive head impacts from heading the ball.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
Background:
- Cervical spine degeneration is noted in soccer players, appearing 10-20 years earlier than in the general population.
- Repetitive head trauma from heading the ball is a suspected cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess early degenerative changes in the cervical spine of amateur soccer players.
- Investigate differences between active (<30 years) and veteran (>30 years) players using biomechanical, radiological, and MRI measures.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional descriptive study comparing soccer players (active and veteran) with age-matched controls.
- Evaluated biomechanical properties using a cervical dynamometer.
- Assessed dynamic radiological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
Main Results:
- Active soccer players had higher normalized mean extension moments but lower range of motion.
- Veteran players showed more prominent degenerative changes and reduced sagittal spinal canal diameter (C2-C6) compared to active players and controls.
- MRI revealed more degeneration in soccer players than in controls.
Conclusions:
- Soccer players exhibit a tendency towards early cervical spine degenerative changes.
- Recurrent high- and/or low-impact trauma from heading the ball is the probable cause.