Back & Spine Injuries from MMA
Category: Spinal Cord Injury | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: July 21, 2015
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a full contact sport in which opponents attempt to pin each other to the ground using various techniques. As a full contact sport, there are many potential back injuries a person can develop while training or competing in MMA. In this article, we will discuss the potential back injuries that a Mixed Martial Artist can sustain while training or competing.
MMA – Mixed Martial Arts
Before we dive into the specific injuries and treatments, let’s first define what MMA is for those who don’t know. MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) is a combat sport that has gained popularity over the last decade. Combatants use striking and grappling techniques from various martial arts to try and make their opponent tap out of submit. While MMA is a professional sport (UFC being the most popular league), many people practice and compete at the amateur level as well.
Potential Back Injuries in MMA
Since MMA is a full contact sport, back injuries are common and various. Here are some of the potential back and spine injuries that a mixed martial artist can sustain:
- Herniated (“Slipped”) Spinal Disc.
- Spinal Cord Injury.
- Vertebral Fracture.
- Back Muscle Strains.
These are just a few of the many injuries (to the back and other body parts) that an MMA fighter can sustain. No matter what the injury, diagnosis and treatment or absolutely essential.
Treatment is Key
Identifying and treating these back injuries is essential if a mixed martial artist plans on continuing to train and compete. Depending on the severity of the spine injury, several treatment methods may be used, including: cortisone injections, physical therapy, and minimally invasive spine surgery. If you practice MMA and are experiencing back pain, neck pain, or any tingling in your arms or legs, contact a spine doctor immediately to diagnose and treat the injury.