The teenager who is active in any sports can easily believe that the only injuries he/she can suffer, will be associated with the legs and arms.

The teenager would be very wrong, since serious injuries can be sustained to any part of the body including the head, back, neck, sexual parts, hands and feet. In sports just about any body part is vulnerable to injury, it is just that some are more readily injured than others!

Injuries to the Neck and Head. Can include the following.

-          Concussion. A severe blow to the head which jolts the brain, it is a possible cause of brain damage, but not common in teenagers.

-          Whiplash. An injury affecting the neck, caused by a sudden jolt to or jerk of the head.

-          Hematoma. A pooling of blood between the brain tissues, caused by a severe blow to the head or whiplash.

Neck Injuries. Injuries to this part of the body are the most dangerous, if the neck injury is suspected as being severe, then the injured person should be kept with the head held straight until assistance can be summoned.

If the injured teen is lying flat on the ground then he/she should not be moved, any attempt at moving could result in the possible neck fracture leading to paralyses or even death.

Injuries to the Back. Usually associated with

-          Cuts bruises,

-          Strained muscles, stress fractures.

-          Twists caused by excess bending or lifting.

Back injuries are often the results of contact sporting activities like soccer or basket ball, but are frequent in weight lifting for obvious reasons.

Sex Organ Injuries. Due to the fact that the male sex organs are located outside the body, then injuries of this nature are more common in male teens. An athletic support (jock strap) should always be worn!

For teenage girls it is a good idea to wear a supportive bra to prevent any damage to the breasts, caused by body blows or excess breast movement when running.

Other injuries to hands, arms and feet are usually of a very minor nature and are mainly confined to sprains, strains, swellings, and in the worst case a broken bone in one of these.

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