Injuries on the Rise

​Injuries have become more and more frequent as the years roll by. Wouldn’t you agree that injuries are increasing lately? If you talk to your grandparents or even some parents, it was a big deal for someone to have a broken arm back when they were in high school. But in modern day, you see teens with broken limbs and things everywhere. I know countless teens that have been through several rounds of physical therapy, along with many others that have extensive injuries. Recently, I myself was injured from a car accident. I strained my neck and now am stuck with wearing a neck brace for 12 days at the least. However, I have seen at least 3 high schoolers in neck braces within the past year or two. My point is, it seems as if more and more teens are becoming injured, and at a younger age as well. Injuries are becoming common. As a high school athlete, it makes sense to see more incapacities as our programs grow rougher. I partly feel that the growing injuries are due to these tough structures, and some may think we need to limit our aggressiveness. But, my heart tells me there is not life without the competition of high school sports, it’s the best part, and it makes you stronger. Additionally, not all teens are hurt while taking part in a sport, most don’t partake in sports at all!
The increase of injuries also makes me wonder: have our bodies gotten weaker? As time goes on and genetics change, have we become more apt to injury? I don’t understand how this would be possible, but why else are there more injuries? The theories are endless as to why we are seeing so many more torn tendons and broken bones. What is your consensus?