Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
The Influence of Neck Pain During Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion
Christin Faith Brown1, Siobhan Godwin, Kristen Williams
1Author Affiliations: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee (Brown); Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Therapy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (Godwin); Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (Williams, Dr Terry, and Zuckerman); Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (Williams, Dr Terry, and Zuckerman); and Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee (Albert).
Neck pain affects nearly 15% of athletes after sports-related concussions (SRC). This neck pain is linked to more severe symptoms and longer recovery times, highlighting the need for cervical assessments in concussion care.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Sports-related concussions (SRC) are common among athletes.
- Neck pain is a frequent, yet often overlooked, post-injury symptom.
- Predictors and consequences of post-SRC neck pain require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify predictors of neck pain following SRC.
- Evaluate the impact of neck pain on concussion symptom severity.
- Determine the association between neck pain and prolonged recovery from SRC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 909 athletes diagnosed with SRC.
- Patients were categorized based on the presence (n=135) or absence (n=774) of neck pain.
- Data included demographics, injury characteristics, symptoms, and recovery metrics.
Main Results:
- Approximately 14.9% of athletes reported neck pain post-SRC.
- The neck pain group exhibited significantly higher initial symptom severity (P < .001).
- Neck pain was associated with longer recovery durations for learning, symptom resolution, and return to play.
Conclusions:
- Neck pain is a significant comorbidity in SRC, affecting nearly 15% of athletes.
- Predictors include a history of concussions, migraines, and psychological disorders.
- Neck pain independently correlates with increased symptom severity and delayed recovery, warranting cervical assessment in SRC management.
More Related Videos
10:31A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
07:02An Investigation of the Effects of Sports-related Concussion in Youth Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Head Impact Telemetry System
Published on: January 12, 2011
