Recently residents of New Hampshire may have heard about the increasing dangers and injuries young athletes are facing throughout the country. While the bodies of teens and other young adults might seem durable and less prone to spinal cord injuries, research suggests that they are actually the demographic that suffers from these ailments most.

While spine injuries -- ailments ranging from a herniated disc to paralysis -- are somewhat rare, they are most likely to strike teenagers. More specifically, teens that play sports may run an even greater risk to injuring their backs. Part of this can be attributed to the fact that teens have not yet had the chance to fully develop their necks, putting them at an increased risk to injure their spines. Car accidents also appear to be a driving force behind spinal cord injuries in teens and young adults.

Throughout the United States, the average age of a spinal cord injury victim is around 31, but the majority of victims are between the ages of 16 and 28. Medical experts that have witnessed these injuries strike teen athletes say it has a lot to do with the growing competition level of the sports. As athletes strive to be bigger, faster and stronger within their sports, it puts them at an increased risk of serious spinal injuries.

This is most true in sports like hockey. The key to keeping these dangerous injuries at bay is by strictly enforcing the rules and teaching teens how to play the games in a safe manner. Safety equipment also needs to continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of athletes.

The term "spinal cord injury" is such a broad one and can indicate mild ailments all the way down to a life confined to a wheel chair. One neurological spine surgeon said that even the mild conditions, like the inability to fully use a hand, is very dangerous. Some spinal cord injuries can force the victim to rack up thousands, if not millions, of dollars in medical bills for their constant care over the span of their lives.

Source: The Pioneer Press, "Spinal-cord injuries hit teen athletes hardest," MaryJo Webster and Brian Murphy, Jan. 15, 2012