If this is an athlete's first neurapraxia or if the condition involves the lower extremities, he or she needs a full workup and should not return to play. The best way to handle cervical spine injuries is to be prepared for them. It is important to have a game plan, with all equipment inspected and readily accessible, and all personnel involved trained to use it. Communication among all members of the emergency medical team should be established before the competition. Transportation to an emergency medical facility should be immediately available as well.
Proper preparation can go a long way in avoiding serious long-term sequelae.
In case of a broken neck. The epidemiologic, pathologic, biomechanical, and cinematographic analysis of football-induced cervical spine trauma. Health Care for Young Athletes, ed 2. On-site management of cervical spine injuries. Cervical spine fractures in athletes.