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Nov. 29, 2024, 7:46 a.m. -  Cam McRae

I think there is a misconception that spinal injuries are the result of direct impact on your spine. It seems to me, based on experience and common sense, that, for the vast majority of spinal cord injuries, the mechanism of injury involves your head contacting the ground. An impact from your tailbone is dangerous as well but likely less common in MTB.  From what I learned in first aid courses and from working in that field, a top down impact on your head is particularly damaging. The inevitable twisting forces undoubtedly compound the likelihood of injury.  I think for chest and back trauma to the ribs, upper body armour is very helpful but I would be surprised to learn it significantly reduces your risk of spinal injury.

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