People often raise concerns about dangers associated with some sports, especially football. They talk about concussions and other life-changing injuries.
At times, it seems as if we want our athletes to enjoy sports' benefits without their associated risks.
I’m not saying the concerns aren’t justified; I’ve experienced football's risks firsthand.
I attribute two neck surgeries and a shoulder surgery to football. Thirteen years ago this week, I had the first of the two neck surgeries that stabilized three fractured vertebra. The surgeon said he had never seen someone with as much neck damage as I had still walking. He estimated the injury occurred 25 years or more earlier, or about the time I played high school football.
I think I know when the neck injury occurred. At the time, I was told I pinched a nerve in my neck. I returned to practice after a few minutes of icing it down, because that’s what football players did back in my day.
I now cringe whenever I see an athlete go down with what appears to be a neck injury. I understand the fear associated with trauma to the neck, and I realize how fortunate I am to still be walking.
Every sport has its risks.
Baseball and softball players react to balls traveling more than 100 mph at a split second’s notice. There have been serious injuries and deaths because a ball traveling at triple-digit speeds hit someone. Fortunately, serious injuries associated with baseball and softball are minimal; players are more likely to blow out an arm or injure a knee.
Football isn’t the only sport linked to concussions. Soccer, hockey and boxing bring high risks for brain injury from constant blows to the head.
Basketball players and tennis players abuse their knees. Golfers often have back injuries from their swing's constant torque.
Injuries and sports go hand in hand, and if one plays long enough they will have at least a minor injury.
Today’s high school, college and professional athletes have the best possible care available. Gone are the days when a coach also doubled as the trainer; certified trainers care for the injured athlete.
Life is full of risks and hurts. People trip over sidewalks, fall down stairs or slip on wet floors. If we are lucky, the bruises soon fade and life returns to normal.
Safety should come first in sports, but at the end, the opportunity for glory usually outweighs the risk of injury.
Yes, we should be concerned, but we can’t let our concerns get in the way of living life or playing our games.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DICKSON: Playing sports is worth the risks