I hate the idea of fearing movement so much that turning your head is “risking neck injury”.
I find it more likely that avoiding head movement causes neck injury. And harboring the idea that movement is something to fear and your body is fragile and unadaptable probably one of the greatest predictors of neck pain.
This sounds like a great example of "motivated reasoning". In almost any profession that requires some form of repetitive movement you are going to suffer physical deterioration with time beyond what is considered normal ageing. Excessive neck movement will be no different.
I find it more likely that avoiding head movement causes neck injury. And harboring the idea that movement is something to fear and your body is fragile and unadaptable probably one of the greatest predictors of neck pain.