Trampoline Injuries Warning; Spinal Damage
The "double bounce" effect
Trampoline Injuries Warning; Spinal Damage
Parents considering buying children a trampoline for the Summer are warned to carefully supervise its use as Chiropractors report an increase in cases of spinal injury.
President of the NSW branch of the Chiropractors Association of Australia, Mr Bryce Conrad, said he had treated two children recently with spinal injuries as a result of jumping on trampolines.
The danger lies in the “double-jump” effect, where two children are on the trampoline together where one child decends from a high jump hits the mat feet first and is immediately catapulted up even higher by the force of another child landing. This technique of the “double jump” can create a tremendous sudden pressure on the spine, possibly leading to fractures and compression of the vertebrae.
The long term effects could be debilitating, possibly leading to a condition known as Sheuermann’s Disease, which is associated with premature degenerative changes and deformity to the spine.
Research from other Australian states show that trampoline related injuries, including spinal damage, are increasing as the popularity of trampolines in Australian backyards grows.
A recent study in the United States by Rhode Island Hospital researchers revealed tramoline injuries have more than doubled in the past decade, with 95 per cent of those injuries on home trampolines. The most common injuries were soft tissue, fracturesS and disclocations. The age group with the most injuries was the 5-12 year range.
Further Australian and International studies have shown that up to 75 per cent of trampoline related injuries could have been avoided if children jumped one at atime.
Trampolines can bring hours of healthy fun for kids. However parents need to be aware of the potential injuries and ensure that children are strictly supervised. This should include a complete ban on “double-jumping”, particularly where those involved were young children whose bones were still growing.
Adapted from Media Release of the Chiropractor’s Association of Australia (NSW) Thursday 27 November 08
- Chiropractors Association of Australia NSW
- Hands on Health - Camberley Chiropractor
Learn more about how chiropractic can help your children