Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine. 1. Head and spine injuries.

This self-directed learning module focuses on head, neck, and spine injuries that are frequent occurrences in sporting activity. It is part of the chapter on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The physiatrist must be able to recognize not only the cause of the acute injury but also the functional consequences of the impairment. This article will discuss some of the more common head, neck, and spine injuries in patients engaged in sports activity and will suggest typical management options for these patients.