Sports mishaps are major cause.

• Position: Spinal Injuries

Proper management of acute spinal injuries on the athletic playing field is crucial, given that sports participation constitutes the second most common cause of spinal cord injuries for Americans age 30 and younger, according to a study by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), Dallas, Tex. Sports medicine providers and others on the sidelines need to be familiar with the appropriate acute-management guidelines for athletes with cervical-spine injuries.

"Serious spinal injuries can be devastating, due to the high incidence of long-term neurological impairment and premature death," says lead author Erik E. Schwartz. "That's why we urge players and parents, as well as coaches and medical personnel, to become better versed about how to prevent these types of injuries and how to care for injured athletes and safely prepare them for transport to a hospital."

Athletic trainers and other health care professionals, coaches, athletes, and people on the sidelines should be aware of, and follow, these guidelines in order to avoid injury or not exacerbate spinal injuries that already have occurred.

* Understand how cervical spine injuries occur and be aware of the importance of avoiding contact with the head in any sport, and emphasize proper techniques for tackling or checking in football, ice hockey, and lacrosse.

* Properly maintain all equipment, and wear and use it as intended by the manufacturer.

* The importance of a proper fit cannot be understated, because correctly fitted helmets and other equipment often help with spine stabilization in the event of an injury.

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