Neck Injury prevention for Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Classes

Aug 24th, 2010 by Travis in Uncategorized

Neck Injury is one of the most common injuries for athletes who train in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. This is not really a surprise when you consider the fact that they get punched and kicked in the face, put in choke holds and neck cranks and sometimes take nasty falls right down on their heads. So how do you prevent neck injury if you are a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu or MMA fighter?
Well, in all honesty, you can’t prevent all neck injury 100% of the time. But you can take steps to keep your neck Strong, Limber and able to recover faster. For starters, injury prevention starts with the fundamentals. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS warm up and stretch your neck before you participate in Mixed Martial Arts or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. This will tell your body that you are about to put stress on it and it needs to be prepared. At my Mixed Martial Arts gym in Houston, TX I have to be there to teach classes every day so injury prevention is key. That’s why I always stretch and warm up my neck before class begins. I also have my students do the same.
Next, you should put together a strength and flexibility program specifically for your neck. Simple ‘range of motion’ and ‘resistance’ exercises are fairly easy to do yourself but if you really want to insure the safety of your neck you need to find someone who is qualified to give you advise and help you with the exercises.
Finally, you need to know when to stop training MMA and BJJ when you are injury. As with any injury, trying to push through the pain will only result in a longer recovery time. And, unlike a knee or ankle, a spinal injury is serious enough to end your days of training for good. Respect the fact that you are injured, and let your body heal properly.
Remember, prevention is the most important step you can make toward keeping your neck and the rest of your body safe. Invest time each week to stretch and strengthen your neck and you will spend far less time being injured.
Best of luck with your Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu goals and don’t forget to take care of your neck.

2 Comments

  • Would love to see a post on specific neck stretches and exercises you use. Would be extremely helpful!

    I’m trying to focus on strengthening my neck after a minor neck tweak while rolling…. realizing that it could have been much worse and want to be proactive….

  • I will remember these things! Thank you!