Researchers in Denmark have published a case report revealing an unexpected consequence of one of breakdancing’s most iconic moves: the headspin.

WARNING: Graphic image below

An MRI of a breaker's head shows the tumor that doctors believe developed due to repeated headspins. BMJ Case Reports 2024
An MRI of a breaker’s head shows the tumour that doctors believe developed due to repeated headspins. (BMJ Case Reports 2024)

Breakers compete in battles judged on criteria like execution, musicality, originality and technique.

Although breaking is celebrated for its athleticism and creativity, it also comes with physical risks.

These can include carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve problems, as well as a condition known in the breaking community as headspin hole, an overuse injury that can affect the scalp.

The condition typically begins with hair loss but can develop into a significant bump on the top of the head.

In the case report, published today in the medical journal BMJ, a man in his early 30s who had been breaking for nearly 20 years was treated for a benign tumour that had grown over 30cm long and more than 2.5cm thick.

The condition, sometimes referred to as breakdance bulge, is thought to be caused by repeated friction between the scalp and the floor during headspins, compounded by the pressure exerted during the move.

Breakdance tumour
Pictures showing the protuberance before the operation (A) and at follow-up one month after the operation (B). (BMJ Journals)

”We believe the condition results from repeated friction between the head and the floor, combined with the weight-bearing nature of headspins, accumulated over years of breakdancing,” Dr Christian Baastrup Søndergaard, a neurosurgery specialist at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, said.

“This repetitive strain on the skull, scalp and skin likely triggers inflammation, and over time, minor bleeding may lead to thickened skin and scar tissue, forming the characteristic bulge.”

Søndergaard, a co-author of the case report, treated the patient.

The patient reported discomfort and soreness and said he avoided public outings without a hat to conceal the bump.

Breakdance tumour
The fibrous tumour mass is shown on the operation table in two projections (A and B), with a ruler for reference. (BMJ Journals)

After surgeons removed the growth, the patient expressed relief: “It’s great to be able to go out in public without a cap or hat. Many people tell me they don’t notice the bump anymore and that my head looks completely normal.”

Despite some awareness of the condition within the breaking community, medical literature on “headspin hole” remains limited, according to the case report.

Users on Reddit’s r/bboy community, an online forum for breakers, have discussed developing bald spots over time and shared tips like wearing padded beanies or adding gel pads under a hat while performing the maneuver.

You May Also Like

Disney World excluded from top 5 of the US’ most beloved theme parks — here’s the hidden gem that takes top spot

Step aside, Mickey Mouse. A new study revealed America’s favorite amusement parks…

Female fencer takes a knee and walks out against transgender rival, as she tells ref: ‘I will not fence against a man’

A female fencer was disqualified from her tournament after taking a knee…

Civil war in Myanmar enters temporary ceasefire as earthquake death toll hits 3000

Myanmar’s ruling military has declared a temporary ceasefire in the country’s civil…

Tesla Vandals Keep Getting Caught, Democrats Keep Staying Silent

There are two stories here. Once is the ongoing wave of…