Spinal Fusions and Jiu Jitsu

[Jon Helton]

I had a potential new student contact me about starting classes. He has spinal fusions through his back. Basically, 2 big rods connecting his vertebrae together starting from his shoulders to his lower back. I know this forum has people who know more about this than me. What's the word? Is it possible? Or will it just take him trying out a class and seeing what kind of discomfort he has?

Feedback welcome. Thanks!

[James O'Brien II]

I have spinal fusion, ankylosingspondylitis, but I have no rods..
I am no expert, but I would assume this character knows his body better than us.
I would stand behind the idea of letting him feel it out.

Good luck!

[derrick ikwueme]

scary shit, is there no flexibility in his spine ? if so is there risk of major damage when in the many weird jits situations ? perhaps he should only play very lightly, & see a chiropractor first. make sure you have him sign a liability waver. this is tricky shit when dealing with health, I had a 300 plus pound friend with heart & blood pressure problems ask about jiujitsu, & i know it can help him, but were do you start with someone who's never tested there machine ? & fead it nothing but sludge, & if not careful could ''Die On Your Mat'' even from blood chokes, most of us can't comprehend being that out of shape.

[Chris Herzog]

In cases like this I always require students get a note from their doctor clearing them to do contact sports, also ask your insurance provider.

[Clinton lawrence]

wouldnt touch it with the rods in his back mate but thats just me

[RobSchwartz]

I have a friend who had back surgery when he was a kid. I think he had to have some vertebrae fused together. He has been training for several years now, and is currently a brown belt under Charles Gracie. Overall it doesn't seem like it bothers him that much when he trains, although sometimes he has complained of it being sore after a very hard training session. The biggest thing is that it limits his flexibility in his back. You won't seeing him playing inverted guard or anything that puts a lot of stress on the lower spine, but he has adapted his game well. Also, I recall that the UFC fighter Nate Quarry had to have vertebrae fused together in his neck and actually returned to fighting afterwards. So my guess would be that he should be able to train, but I would follow Zog's advice and make sure you get a note from his doctor before you let him start rolling.

[stlnl]

A waiver really releases you from liability. But I would agree for his safety, that he consult his doctor/neurologist first.

I would also watch the guy like a hawk, and make sure his first couple of weeks are serious hand holding sessions.

[Scott Elkin]

Yeah, many white belts also suffer from ego-no-tappy-itus, which normally could be ok, but if this guy doesn't realize the torque that could be put on his back in various positions, he may not know to tap.

Maybe do a light roll and test out his flexibility so that he can learn his limits? I mean, he may not even be able to do basic forward and backward rolls and break-falls.

[Pete Daly]

In cases like this I always require students get a note from their doctor clearing them to do contact sports, also ask your insurance provider.

Good policy. The doctor will be able to tell him whether or not he can participate. This is NOT a situation that a chiropractor can diagnose (although they do have their uses), and in a case like this, you need the expert medical advice that most physicians can provide. I will say that these things usually don't prohibit people from physical activity, but they do usually limit people's range of motion. Surgeons have gotten pretty damn good at locking those rods into place so that they won't move an inch. Ultimately, it should be the doctor's call, not his and not yours.

[bobby rivers]

Coach, you know a doctor is gonna tell him no. Could you get a doctor to clear you? jussayin