Contact sports

Contact sports are another area where spinal cord injury occurs.

Even when protective equipment is worn, the head and neck can be at risk.

Whilst these injuries are not common in sport, the effect can be devastating, and wherever possible their occurrence should be prevented.

No sporting code where contact is involved is exempt: rugby union, rugby league, Australian Rules Football, Gaelic Football, American Football, Soccer, Diving, equestrian events, gymnastics, trampolining, skiing and many others can be associated with these injuries.