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Surfer’s Paralysis: The paralyzing truth behind Surfer’s Myelopathy

Surfer’s Myelopathy, also known as "surfer’s paralysis," refers to a non-traumatic spinal cord injury that generally affects first-time surfers. It may begin simply as a backache or numbness and tingling in the legs, but can progress to complete paralysis of the lower extremities. Often the paralysis resolves with physical therapy and rehabilitation, though some patients recover only partially, some not at all.

Why haven’t you heard of this before?

In the context of medicine Surfer’s Myelopathy appears as a new condition. It was first described in 2004 in the medical journal, Spine, where researchers noted similar patients with a combination back pain, partial paralysis, and urinary retention after surfing. They observed nine cases between 1998 – 2003, average age 25 years old, and all were either first-time or inexperienced surfers. Of the nine patients only one remained paraplegic, four others experienced residual symptoms of weakness or urinary retention.

How does this happen?

Since it is a new disease much research remains. Currently, scientists believe the injury occurs due to a surfer’s positioning on the board. When a surfer lies belly-down on the surfboard for a prolonged amount of time the back becomes over-extended – or hyperextended – which impairs blood flow to the spinal cord; this results in a lack of oxygen or an ischemic injury. Experienced surfers often avoid this situation by sitting on their boards as they face the waves – another explanation for why it affects novice surfers.

Don’t people still take surfing lessons everyday?

Fortunately, medicine has also been researching how to avoid this new affliction. The best advice for new surfers remains basic: sit on your board rather than lying flat, seek out a knowledgeable surf instructor and limit the first lesson to 30 minutes, and exit the water to seek medical attention if you notice signs of pain or discomfort in your back.

More frightening than the sharks?

While Surfer’s Myelopathy remains an uncommon condition, occurring less frequently than shark attacks -- an exceedingly rare event - the heightened awareness will likely result in increased diagnosis. The recent case of Surfer’s Myelopathy in a 26-year old Pasadena resident vacationing in Hawaii has already alerted both locales to its reality. Of prime importance, the greater recognition should also lead to improved prevention.

Surfer’s Myelopathy should not cause aspiring surfers to back down – rather, read more. And... surf’s up!