Canadian Chiropractor Article

A pioneering chiropractor with a Canadian pedigree has invented protective sports gear to help football players reduce the risk of concussions.

Over the last five years, Dr. Kevin Jackson has been developing The Jackson Force Absorption System, which absorbs the energy during collisions that players commonly experience on the field. When players get hit, they can be seriously hurt, notes the Jackson Athletic website. It explains, “Excessive linear or rotational forces in the form of cervical rotation, lateral bending, extension and flexion cause the cervical facet joints to ride up on each other and jam. This can cause the posterior longitudinal ligament to stretch beyond its limits. As a result, the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, blood vessels and cerebral spinal canal are traumatized to some degree. This trauma can create the same neurological symptoms of a brain concussion. It may contribute to the long-term neurodegenerative changes seen in football players.”

Down the tube
The Jackson Force Absorption System uses rubber tubes to help soak up the energy otherwise relayed to the player’s cervical spine, brainstem, spinal cord and blood vessels. The tubes connect to the helmet and the shoulder pads, effectively stopping the player’s neck from overextending. The system clips easily into place, and it’s adjustable to fit players of various shapes and sizes. A range of coloured resistance bands work for players at different levels: purple for peewee, yellow for high school, red for college and green for professional.