Surfer's myelopathy is a rare, nontraumaticspinal cordinjury caused byhyperextension of the back and resulting inparaplegia (paralysis below the waist).[1] During hyperextension, ablood vessel leading to the spine, such as theanterior spinal artery,[2] can become kinked, depriving the spinal cord ofoxygen.[3] Although the condition derives its name from the fact that the phenomenon is most often seen in thosesurfing for the first time, it can be caused by any activity in which the back is hyperextended (yoga,pilates, etc.). In some cases, the paralysis is permanent.[4]
Recommendations for prevention of myelopathy include proper warm-up, limiting session length, and sitting rather than lying on the board while waiting for waves.[4]
A surfer paddling.
Surfer sitting on his board, thereby resting his back.
^Chang CW, Donovan DJ, Liem LK, O'Phelan KH, Green DM, Bassin S, Asai S (2012). "Surfers' myelopathy: a case series of 19 novice surfers with nontraumatic myelopathy".Neurology.79 (22):2171–6.doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e31827595cd.PMID23152585.S2CID207122169.
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