Spinal Injuries

Although relatively rare, neck and spinal cord injuries can have catastrophic outcomes. Ice hockey has 3-6 times the incidence of cervical spine injuries and spinal cord damage compared to American football. Over 1/3 of all cervical spine injuries were the result of a check from behind (Morrissette et al. 2021). There are several ways that players can protect themselves and their opponents from this type of catastrophic injury. Review the information below to learn more.

Heads Up, Don't Duck

Here are a few tips on how to help prevent neck injuries:

  • Rule #1 - HEADS UP, DON'T DUCK

  • Hit the boards or goal posts with an arm, a leg or anything but your head first.

  • Skate into the boards on an angle to dig out the puck.

  • Taking a check: Keep your head out of it. Skates parallel to the boards, knees bent, low center of gravity. Skate through the check and get away quickly.

  • No checking from behind. It’s illegal, dangerous and bad hockey.

  • Wear a snug-fitting, HECC-certified helmet in good shape, plus full facial protection.

  • Use a mouth guard every time you’re on the ice.

When you hit the ice this season, remember Heads Up, Don't Duck and you can help make hockey a safer game to play.

(Adapted from Minnesota Hockey)


Reference:

Morrissette C, Park PJ, Lehman RA, Popkin CA. Cervical Spine Injuries in the Ice Hockey Player: Current Concepts in Epidemiology, Management and Prevention. Global Spine Journal. 2021;11(8):1299-1306. doi:10.1177/2192568220970549