HOW TO DEAL WITH NECK INJURIES AS A FIGHTER!

What's up, guys? Today I want to do a deep dive into dealing with injuries, particularly neck and back injuries which are pretty common among fighters. Over the years, I've noticed almost everyone I know who's been doing Jiu-Jitsu for a long period (like ten years or so) has neck issues. We even call it the "Jiu-Jitsu neck" because it's so prevalent.

Why Do These Injuries Happen?

There are a couple of reasons why neck injuries are so common in Jiu-Jitsu. One big reason is our egos. We don't tap when we should during practice, and we end up fighting neck cranks instead of tapping out. I get it; there's always going to be that group of people who say, "You shouldn't be cranking your partners," and they're not wrong. However, nobody's perfect. You're never going to apply every move perfectly, you're not always going to hit the arteries perfectly every time, and your neck will get cranked.

Another factor is that we've all made dumb mistakes in our careers because of this "tough guy" mentality. Back in the day, you'd be perceived as a sissy if you tapped to a crank.

Growing up or coming up, I remember back in the day, it was almost like you were perceived as a sissy if you tap to a crank, and now you grab my neck, I tap instantly if it hurts because I know what's at stake.

The Consequences of Not Tapping

Not tapping to cranks can result in some serious long-term issues. Over time, it can lead to disc herniations and deep-rooted pain. This applies to your lower back as well, especially if you're into grappling or kicking, which can also mess up your lower back.

How To Manage These Injuries

Here are some therapies and treatments I've tried over the years that have shown good results:

Massage Therapy

Massage is amazing! But remember, it's more of a temporary fix. It won't solve anything long-term, but it can help manage pain and tension in the short term.

I've had really good results with decompression techniques. A lot of chiropractors out there are full of it, so you need to find one who works with athletes or actually practices a sport like Jiu-Jitsu. My current chiropractor, Dr. Ward, is a black belt and fully understands these types of injuries.

Decompression

Decompression involves strapping your chest and head and mechanically stretching your neck. While I don't know the exact science behind it, neck decompression has helped me a lot over the years. They even make home decompression machines that you can buy online for a few hundred dollars.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has also worked well for me, but it's essential to find the right practitioner. I'd recommend going to a Chinese acupuncturist or someone similarly skilled. Every effective acupuncture session I've had included electrical stimulation, which really helps stimulate the area and promote blood flow.

Increasing Blood Flow

Most treatments, like massage and acupuncture, work by increasing blood flow to the affected areas. This helps push out inflammation and bring in more blood, which aids in healing.

All it is, is creating blood flow to these areas. Same thing with massage, same thing with most of these treatments, there's an area that's not getting blood, whether it's your neck, your elbow, whatever your injury is, and it needs more blood flow there.

Home Decompression Machines

They make home decompression machines now where you lay down, strap your neck and head, and it pulls apart your neck. These machines can be really beneficial if used correctly.

Prevention is Key

While all of these therapies can help manage pain and promote healing, the best way to deal with neck and back injuries is to prevent them altogether. Tapping when you need to, listening to your body, and not letting your ego get in the way can save you from a lot of pain and long-term issues.

Final Words

Neck and back injuries are a serious concern for anyone involved in Jiu-Jitsu or similar sports. It's crucial to take care of your body and seek appropriate treatments when needed. Decompression, massage, and acupuncture have all provided me with significant relief over the years.

Any questions you have, feel free to ask below. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content, and if you're looking for a guide to find a new gym near you or you're new to martial arts, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor." The link is in the description below. Thank you, guys!

Reference Links
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor