Neck injury sustained during exposure to high-G forces in the F16B

Neck pain is a frequent complaint among aviators flying high performance fighter (HPF) aircraft. However, very few--if any--cases of subjective symptoms have been confirmed by objective methods and reported in the literature. The present paper relates an incident of documented injury of the cervical spine which occurred during an abrupt and violent maneouver in the F16B. The rear seat occupant, a flight surgeon, who had just handed over controls to the instructor flying from the front seat, was caught unaware. He suffered a ligament injury C5-6 and a sliding of the C6 relative to the C5. It is concluded: 1) The accelerative forces in HPF aircraft can cause serious injury to the cervical spine and its supporting structures in the neck. 2) Aircrew not engaged in the flying task may be at risk if left ignorant of pilots' intentions. 3) Lightweight helmets reduce the medical hazards imposed upon aviators in the high-G environment. 4) Specific exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles are encouraged.