Cervical spine injuries in professional judo: a cross-sectional analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and preventive measures.

Introduction: Judo, a martial art created by Jigoro Kano in 1882, is a martial art promoting physical and spiritual development. Despite its "gentle way" philosophy, it poses a significant risk for cervical spine injuries, often resulting from throws and ground techniques.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed cervical injuries among professional judo athletes from January to July 2024.