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What Kids Should Know About Spinal Injuries in Sports

article_wsjA new push is under way to raise awareness of a little-understood but dangerous risk to young athletes: injuries to the cervical spine, the highly vulnerable area between the first and seventh vertebrae that protects the spinal cord connecting the brain to the body. Players and teammates may not instantly recognize the severity of the damage, and the wrong move can damage or sever the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or even death.

In addition to programs to educate coaches, parents and students, a number of groups are pressing for more certified athletic trainers who are qualified to quickly recognize and respond to spinal and other injuries.

Read the entire Wall Street Journal article by Laura Landro here.

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Far West Athletic Trainers Association