Related Experiment Videos
Neck injury after repeated flexions due to parachuting
1Central Military Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Parachute jumping can cause severe neck and shoulder pain due to C7 nerve root damage from sudden neck flexion. This risk is similar to that faced by military aviators, highlighting the need for proper head positioning and lighter helmets.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Aerospace Medicine
Background:
- Military aviators are susceptible to cervical spine issues due to high G-forces and head rotation.
- Previous research links these issues to +Gz forces and twisted head positions.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old officer experienced severe right shoulder pain and paresthesia in his right index, middle, and ring fingers during a parachute jump.
- The onset of symptoms occurred during a sudden neck flexion while checking the parachute canopy, prior to landing.
Findings:
- Electroneuromyography confirmed damage to the right C7 nerve root.
- Cervical radiography revealed severe spondylosis and disc degeneration in the C5-C7 region.
- MRI demonstrated posterior disc protrusions in the affected cervical spine area.
Implications:
- Parachutists face similar cervical spine risks as military aviators.
- Emphasizing optimal head positioning during parachute deployment is crucial.
- The use of lightweight helmets should be considered to mitigate risks.