Last month I stated that when an injury to the neck and back occurs; “make no assumptions”. I gave the example of being driven through a table and suffering an injury similar to whiplash as a result. To some that do not participate in Pro Wrestling, or combative sports, this might seem quite extreme, but the same advice should be applied to those who “strain” their neck in other, less extreme, instances.
I could have easily used the classic Bench Press as an example. Odds are if you have been in the iron game long enough you know at least one person that has “strained” their neck while performing this common lift. In all likelihood you either; are someone or know someone that can never bench again because of neck problems suffered within the gym environment.
The
first mistake people make with “strains” or “pulls” to the neck and back is
misdiagnosis. The believed “muscle pull”
or “tightness” can, and often, is a secondary symptom of an even greater issue.
The misdiagnosis inadvertently leads to
mistreatment; immediately applying ice to the region and administering an
anti-inflammatory isn’t always the complete treatment that is necessary.
The
second mistake is improper rehabilitation. Nine times out of ten the athlete chooses not
to seek a professional opinion as the injured area and would slowly begin to
feel better with just using the ice and anti-inflammatory approach. What the athlete fails to understand is such
an approach can, and in all likelihood, will lead to muscle and joint
imbalances. With each subsequent injury, no matter how minor, this imbalance
grows greater and mobility of the joint, the vertebrae in this instance,
gradually decreases. As joint mobility
is restricted more pressure is put upon the muscles, ligaments, and worse the
disc. At some point something will have
to give if the natural balance is not restored. It is only a matter of time before the disc becomes
herniated when there is no natural balance.
The
third mistake is a failure to understand the importance of joint mobility, or
range of motion, as it relates to the spine and failure to implement a proper
pre-habilitation program. If, and when,
an external force puts your spine in jeopardy, the likelihood of a crippling or
possibly paralyzing injury is significantly reduced, provided you have taken
pre-emptive measures. Recovery times are also significantly reduced with the
implementation of a pre-habilitation program.
This
is where Renegade Training International's DMC program stands above other programs. A Renegade Training DMC program, when adequately followed, addresses
the concerns of joint mobility in the vertebrae. When combined with the range of motion work in
Pink, and an occasional Chiropractic adjustment, you have, in my opinion, the
absolute best pre-habilitation program for preventing joint mobility issues of
the spine. For those that live a more
sedentary life; a program inclusive of DMC and Pink may be all the pre-habilitation
work needed. However, for those active
in sports, especially combat sports, the entire Wheel of Conditioning must be
followed with special attention to tumbling, jump shrugs, and possibly
additional neck exercises dependent upon the athlete. Regular Chiropractic exams or adjustments
should also be considered in both cases.
In
this article I provided just a general insight of my own personal observations
and experiences. As stated in previous
articles I am not a doctor. I am an
athlete that has experienced spinal injuries, and a trainer that has worked
with clients with spinal injuries. Currently I am a Sr. Renegade Trainer with
Coast Right Fitness, and Right Coast Pro Wrestling both in Delaware. Throughout
my life I have randomly suffered “muscle pulls” in the neck and back through
sports and the gym. As I have been
educated, it is my hope that you, the reader, will be educated on the
importance of professional treatment and the implementation of the DMC program
for spinal health. The longer you let an
imbalance develop, the more difficult it becomes and longer it takes to
rectify.
Because
I am not a doctor and I know that joint mobility, rehabilitation, and pre-habilitation
of the spine are of the utmost importance, I have elicited the services of
Delaware’s leading Chiropractor, and Right Coast Pro Wrestling in Delaware’s
business partner, Dr. Anthony Dicola, DC, for delving deeper into this subject.
In Future Crew Corner Blogs, I will
interview Dr. Dicola on spinal health issues and also ask his professional opinions
concerning the DMC program.
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