Long term neck care

So I'm 20, and after 4 years of wrestling and almost 2 of jiu jitsu I've had my neck wrenched more than a few times. You know where you can't turn your head for 3 or 4 days after. (You instinctively turn your head to check out a nice ass, you're back to day 1) I do as much as I can to prevent it by warming up, rolling it out, tapping early to any neck cranks, taking a couple days off if it does happen, ibuprofen, stretching, yada yada yada. I even go to the chiropractor on a semi regular basis. I know this is a part of any form of grappling and honestly I'll take a fucked up neck over not training in the long run, but I'm still pretty young and I don't want to have to worry about this too much. What do you guys do to take care of yourselves that I didn't mention? Thanks homies ;)

http://www.activeforever.com/content...on-device.jpeg if you can get your hands on one of these they will change your life.

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Originally Posted by Kyle Spalla

http://www.activeforever.com/content...on-device.jpeg if you can get your hands on one of these they will change your life.

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I just laughed my ass off, that guy's face is priceless. I don't even know what to say, is that thing real?

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Originally Posted by hespectnogi

I just laughed my ass off, that guy's face is priceless. I don't even know what to say, is that thing real?

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Unfortunately this thing is the real deal. It happens to just look stupid.

If it really does work I'm all for it, that picture is just the most magnificent thing I've ever seen, thanks for the info :D

Warm your neck up before you go to sleep, when you wake up, before you do anything. Back when I played hockey I would get the nastiest whiplash and use this cream called Rub A535. It's essentially like bengay. I think it's better, look into a topical analgesic at night it'll help relax the muscles before bed/ If you're cool with smelling kinda like a retirement home all day then apply after a shower.

I use a rumble roller on my neck and some "Tiger Balm" which is crazy hot but works too.

Chiropractor!!! Well worth it

Obviously, you gotta warm your neck up and keep it flexible and strong.

But absolutely you gotta start thinking about strong posture with your body in EVERY SINGLE POSITION of your grappling. That will be more important than any stretches or routines you incorporate.

I got a neck injury for not tapping to triangles and arm triangles. Left the gym with a sore neck, wanted to take time off but my sis came to visit and so we visited other schools and I kept rolling. Anyways, I ended up getting nerve damage, lost what felt like 80% of my left tricep strength, could barely do a proper push up.

Asked around, 3 other guys in my gym had the exact same injury and symptoms, as well as 2 other guys from my old gym. Although 2 guys felt loss of strength in their biceps instead of tricep.

They gave me some tips and advice that has helped tremendously. ..

1. Take time off, at least a month or 2. Most guys said 4 months.
2. Do nech stretches and warm ups
3. Invest in a neck traction device like the link above. I got the inflatable one instead.
4. Tap early and often when someone has you in any neck cranks and submissions.

1 and 4 are the hardest for me. But you have to do it because nerve damage can be permanent.

Oh, and I went to the chiropractor several times, and I usually swear by them, but they did jack shit for my neck. You really need a traction device which is more beneficial than a chiropractor.

Get a neck harness and actually strengthen your neck. I have a giraffe neck and used to get tweaked all the time. Get stronger. It will be much harder to choke you also.