Injuries to the cervical spine sustained while carrying loads on the head

The level and type of injury in 12 patients with cervical spinal cord injury as a result of accidents while carrying heavy loads on the head is analysed. Lateral radiographs of the cervical spine in subjects loaded with 200 lb bags on the head, to assess the effects on the normal configuration of the spine, were obtained. Radiological assessment of a further group of labourers with long periods of this type of employment was done in an attempt to demonstrate any increased predisposition to osteo-arthrotic change in the cervical spine.