Neck Injuries in Athletes

Neck injuries are a common and clinically significant concern in athletes, with presentations ranging from soft tissue strain to spinal cord injury. The cervical spine's unique anatomy and biomechanics enable high mobility but also increase susceptibility to trauma during contact and high-velocity sports. This review examines acute and chronic injuries, including stingers, dislocations, radiculopathy, and spondylosis, and emphasizes their mechanisms, clinical presentations, and diagnostic workup. Management strategies span a range of conservative and surgical options, with evidence supporting individualized rehabilitation and targeted interventions based on symptom severity and neurological involvement. The review also synthesizes the current literature on key decision points, such as helmet removal in the field and return-to-play criteria, and highlights the importance of radiographic stability and neurological recovery. A comprehensive understanding of these strategies is essential for optimizing athlete safety and outcomes.