The present invention relates to a device that stabilizes and/or protects the head and spine from injuries. An immobilization device includes one or more pillars with multiple segments that protect the head and spine of a user. The pillars typically run along the part of the head and spine and pelvis that the device protects. A cable or wire runs through these segments in the pillars. By design, when the pillars of the invented system are not activated and the system is in normal use, the pillars are designed to be as flexible as possible and allow full physiologic motion of the protected body part. Activation of the system confers rigidity to the system and prevents or lessens harmful, non-physiologic motion of the body part intended to be protected. The present invention also encompasses a immobilization device with cables used to guide the deployment of rigid tubes to stabilize and protect the head of the user. The present invention further includes segments with flat guide protrusions for increased stability of the pillars. The immobilization device can further include rigid tubes that extent to receivers when they are activated, and which can also be used to stabilize and protect the head or neck of the user.
