Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do pro motocross riders not wear neck braces?
There are several reasons why some pro motocross riders choose not to wear neck braces. Some of the excuses given include restrictions on movement, limited ability to look up hills, concerns about potential injuries such as broken clavicles or nerve damage, and the belief that professionals in the sport do not wear them.
2. Do neck braces actually work?
Neck braces are designed to work in specific crash scenarios where the neck is at risk of hyperextensions from medial and lateral forces. However, they do not provide protection against brain injuries, rotational forces that turn the head side to side, or when force is applied sharply down on the head and neck at an angle.
3. What do bikers wear around their neck?
Some bikers wear a product called Hövding, which is worn as a collar around the neck. It controls movements 200 times per second and has an airbag inside that inflates in the event of an accident, providing protection for the head and neck.
4. Do you need a neck brace in motocross?
Neck braces are considered an effective way to prevent neck injuries in motocross. They are specifically designed for the sport and consist of a ring-shaped neck support that absorbs the force transmitted by the head and helmet during a fall.
5. What are the disadvantages of neck braces?
One potential drawback of rigid neck braces is that they may cause venous outflow obstruction, which can increase intracranial pressure. If there is evidence of increased intracranial pressure, the collar should be removed or re-positioned.
6. How long is too long to wear a neck brace?
The duration of wearing a neck brace depends on the severity of the injury. For mild neck pain and sprains, it may only be recommended to wear a neck brace for a few hours or overnight. For more serious injuries like whiplash or compression fractures, doctors may suggest wearing one for up to 3 months.
7. Is it better to have a neck brace or no neck brace?
According to data, wearing a neck brace significantly reduces the risk of critical and non-critical cervical spine injuries. A critical cervical spine injury is 89% more likely without a neck brace, and death due to cervical spine injury is 69%+ more likely without a neck brace. Therefore, wearing a neck brace is generally recommended for better protection.