Subjective symptoms of early cervical degeneration in front row forwards.
Item
- Title
- Subjective symptoms of early cervical degeneration in front row forwards.
- Author(s)
- Isherwood David
- Abstract
- The objective of this study was to investigate for the presence of subjective symptoms of early cervical degeneration in rugby front row forwards, and compare them to rugby players of other positions. Previous research has highlighted chronic degenerative changes in rugby forward players, however this was conducted on asymptomatic players and had not isolated the front row. Other studies have shown degenerative changes to be predisposed to by lateral shear forces on the cervical spine particularly whilst scrummaging. Biomechanical examinations on the forces exerted on front row forwards show some four times as much lateral shear in club rugby football, which constitutes the greater part of the public participation in the sport. These degenerative changes are a hidden danger, and predisposition to further spinal cord insult in such players. At a conservative estimate front row players scrummage some 300 - 600 times per season with an estimated one ton of force at each scrum, this excludes any training practice. If front row players continue to play beyond 15 years then, each season of exposure to the game may increase the likelihood of early degenerative changes considerably.The relevance of this study is to bring awareness to osteopathic practitioners, the possible, hidden pathology of early degeneration in front row players at club level rugby of all ages. This is particularly important with those players who continue playing the game into their late forties and beyond.From a total of 110 subjects interviewed, 37 front row forwards were compared with 38 backs and 35 non-front row forwards. The results highlighted that 63% (n=23) of front row players reported at least 1 symptom, compared with 23% (n=17) [p=0.000] of other positions. More importantly 35% (n=13) reported central cervical spine aching and stiffness plus one other nerve root symptom, against 8% (n=6), [p=0.001] of other positions. These comparisons were tested for the probability of chance and found to be highly significant.The results also highlighted a greater numbers of symptoms in sedentary workers. Similarly more symptoms were apparent in players who had greater exposure to the game. Advancing age produced increasingly more symptoms. Numbers of seasons playing the sport was also investigated. However the comparative findings of all these variables when tested proved to be insignificant.The conclusions of this investigation are that, a high index of suspicion is needed when assessing cervical spine injuries in front row rugby players of all ages. What may seemingly present with minor injuries could signpost more serious and potentially catastrophic neck pathology of young men. Osteopaths may prefer to request cervical radiographs prior to treatment, particularly cervical manipulation.
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 1999
- Date Submitted
- 11.8.2000 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 12247
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Cervical Spine/Injury,Cervical Degeneration,Spinal Cord,Sport Injuries,Rugby
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Isherwood David, “Subjective symptoms of early cervical degeneration in front row forwards.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 1, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1451