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Some very good points have been brought up and it is nice to see that the younger riders are apparently pro protectors. It does no good laying in the bottom of the ride bag. While "magical thinking and immortality" plays a role in growing up, motocross riders seem to have a good appreciation and understanding on safety and the taking of calculated risk.
Neck injury at the levels being discussed can be (near) fatal (Steve Reeves falling off the horse onto his head) or leave you vent dependant for life. Headaches are common, the resp drive may remain intact/impaired, numbness and changes in nerve function, loss of muscle use at lower levels, chronic intractable pain, all or some of the above, to a single arm, shoulder, or both, depending upon the level and degree of nerve impingement. C-spine injury has a better surgical outcome and it would seem is more prevelant in mx than lumbar and sacral (except with pelvic fracture and it's sequella).
Watching riders IN the whoops graphically demonstrates the mechanism OF injury, AS does an endo. The front OF the helmet, either the chin guard OR bill seem TO dig IN AND force the neck INTO a FULL forward flexion. WHEN FULL posterior extension also takes place, you see the "whiplash" TYPE injury AND "coup contra coup" OR shaken baby syndrome TYPE injury TO the brain/covering AND ALL the facet joints, muscles AND ligaments OF the neck. The shearring force injury TO the spinal cord itself IS brutal. Twisting motion doesn't help either but seems not to be so much of a factor maybe
The perfect neck guard would probably be so restrictive or threaten and compromise the airway, that it might cause more risk than benefit. Perhaps one that inflated somehow, prior to/upon impact, like air bag technology, might be something of future investigation. A soft collar, like a high turtle neck which still allows 180 degree rotation and range of motion, but did not actually choke the rider when they tried to look down, is what I imagine it might look like
Anything is better than nothing and further research and education are still needed. Our technology and medicines continue to improve and outcomes are better than ever before. Keep those health insurance policies paid up to date though! Attend a CPR class and know the signs of injury for when the rider is actually a "wallking wounded" but doesn't know it yet. Riders ARE often the FIRST responders AND instinctively want TO help but don't know what to do or look for.
Hats off and raised high, to all the people out there who have been injured and dispite that, continue to lead full and active lives.
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