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After being shown the series of videos by Vice Sports called Painkillers in the NFL I was left shocked, but not totally surprised. According to Vice Sports, more than 1,000 former NFL players are addicted to painkillers.
In a series of interviews by ex-NFL players, you become horrified to learn of past team doctors pushing to keep players on the field through concussions, continuous muscle strains and broken bones, when their 'job is to protect'.
Here are some quotes from the short films which really struck me-
'are you hurt, or are you injured?'
'achieve the glory'
'already hurting'
'injury is the final straw'
'trust someone who does know that'
'deal with the pain and play'
'people running to get their [painkiller] shots'
'become more angry, become a different player on the filed. And they love that'
As a Sports Therapist and pitch-side assistant/first aider for several American Football teams it is horrifying to hear of doctors completely ignoring a concussion and getting the player back on the pitch as soon as possible. Yes, we now know far more than previously, however, when a player experiences a lot pain in one leg but is given medicine to 'numb' the pain, it becomes clear that the doctors prioties lie with the team and not with the players health. Indeed Kyle Turley states 'they only cared for the interim of what I was able to do'. Players of this era, seem far from educated in injuries and concussion, which I hope has now changed. I myself educate my patients whilst treating, to enable them to manage their injuries and to understand what has and is happening to their bodies. However I am sure you will always find athletes who will play through the pain for the glory and money which comes with the game.
One finally area which struck me was ex-athletes using street drugs to manage pain due to the great expense of insurance and speaking of their attempts to take their own lives due to the immense pain.
I am lucky to work with great American Football coaches who listen to my advice and will take a player off if needed.
Concussion is a hot topic in the news at the moment and in the run up to our upcoming football season I shall be running a mini-workshop with my team to educate players and coaches on this area to ensure safe practice and prevent the miss-use of painkillers.
On a final note, I am aware that these films speak of old practice within the NFL, however awareness to educate future players and practice is greatly important within my eyes. Drug misuse and the clear neglect of players is something we, as coaches and medical practitioners cannot allow to continue.
To watch the films, click here -
Painkillers in the NFL: Keith McCants on the War Within No Contract, No Insurance: NFL Players Battle for Benefits
I would love to hear your views, so please comment below
-E
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