Management of Suspected Cervical Spine Injury in Athletes

Initial Assessment and Stabilization

The athlete's presentation with neurologic symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain following trauma indicates a potential cervical spine injury that requires immediate and careful management, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1
Athletes who have experienced trauma and report neurologic symptoms should be treated with the assumption of a possible cervical spine injury, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1, 2

The athlete should be log-rolled onto a stretcher while maintaining in-line stabilization of the head and neck with the equipment in place, as supported by evidence from the British Journal of Sports Medicine 4, 5
Emergency medical services (EMS) transport is required for proper evaluation and management of suspected cervical spine injuries, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine 4, 1

Field medical teams should be trained in proper spine stabilization techniques specific to athletes wearing protective equipment, as recommended by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 6

Assuming neurologic symptoms that resolve quickly are not serious - even transient symptoms require full evaluation, as noted by Praxis Medical Insights 2
Moving the athlete unnecessarily or without proper stabilization techniques, as cautioned by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 1, 5
Failing to maintain cervical spine precautions throughout the entire management process, as emphasized by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 4, 1