Abstract: Helmet prevent or mitigate cervical spine fractures, including the type of injuries associated with axial compression of the spine and fracture of the spine which may otherwise result in deformation and/or injury to the spinal cord. Helmets convert an impact force with a component aligned with the axis of the spine (a “spinally axial component”) to rotational motion. In the event of a head-first impact, such helmets flexion of the neck so that the head and the cervical spine are not aligned (or less aligned) with the direction of an impact force, thereby mitigating the likelihood and/or severity of cervical spine fractures.