Athletes fear back pain
as much as kids fear the dentist. It may not be because of the pain,
but due to the fear that they may never play again.
Over the course of
sports history, great athletes have fallen prey to sprains and
fractures. Many recovered and returned to play another day, but a
handful weren't as lucky. Spinal injuries are among the most
dangerous since the spine serves as the link between the brain and
every part of the body. Here are some athletes who suffered serious
spinal injuries:
Chris Spielman
The former Cleveland
Browns linebacker suffered a herniated disc in 1997, cutting his
season short. He returned to football two years later, but a
blindside hit during a match against the Chicago Bears gave him
another neck injury. Rather than risk total paralysis, he decided to
hang his football gear for good.
Sterling Sharpe
The former Green Bay
Packers receiver had an unusual condition around his neck vertebrae.
Some of his neck vertebrae, according to doctors, were looser than
usual, increasing the risk of the vertebrae being derailed. Sharpe's
condition grew worse during a 1994 match against the Atlanta Falcons,
thereby cutting his season short.
Kevin Everett
The first two stories
featured neck injuries, but this one may well be the worst. The
former Buffalo Bills tight end dislocated his cervical spine while
tackling a Denver Broncos player during the 2007-2008 season. It not
only brought pain but almost stole his ability to walk.
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