Wrestling is a physical sport that can often lead to injuries. One of the most common injuries in wrestling is a neck injury. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that will help prevent neck injuries in wrestling. Follow these tips and you’ll be less likely to suffer an injury.
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Neck Injuries In Wrestling
Wrestlers are constantly putting their bodies at risk of injury. One of the most common areas of injury is the neck. Neck injuries can range from minor to career-threatening, and even life-threatening.
Neck injuries can occur in several ways, including:
1. Being hit with a fist, elbow, or another object
2. Getting your head slammed into the mat
3. Taking a fall incorrectly
4. Applying too much pressure while attempting a hold
5. Being hit with an illegal move
Sometimes, neck injuries can be unavoidable. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent them.
Types of Neck Injuries In Wrestling
Several types of neck injuries can occur in wrestling. The most common are:
Whiplash
One of the most common types of neck injuries, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly and violently jerked forward or backward. This can damage the ligaments, muscles, and disks in the neck. Whiplash can also cause headaches, dizziness, and pain in the shoulders and arms. These symptoms may not appear immediately, and can sometimes take days or weeks to develop.
Neck Sprain/Strain
A neck sprain occurs when the ligaments in the neck are stretched or torn. A neck strain occurs when the muscles or tendons in the neck are stretched or torn. Both injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Herniated Disk
A herniated disk occurs when one of the disks between the vertebrae in the spine ruptures or breaks open. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis.
Fractured Neck
Fractures can occur in any of the bones in the neck, including the vertebrae. A broken neck is a very serious injury that can cause paralysis or even death. Sometimes, a fracture can cause the vertebrae to move out of alignment, which can damage the spinal cord.
Transient Quadriplegia
Another serious neck injury, transient quadriplegia is a type of paralysis that is caused by a sudden, severe blow to the head or neck. Paralysis is usually temporary, but it can last for minutes or hours. In some cases, it can lead to permanent paralysis.
Intervertebral Disc Lesions
The intervertebral disc is a spongy, gel-like structure that acts as a cushion between the vertebrae of the spine. The discs allow the spine to move and absorb shock.
Disc injuries are common in wrestling due to the high-impact nature of the sport. These injuries can range from minor tears to complete rupture of the disc.
Symptoms of a disc injury include pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage.
Sometimes, wrestlers may be able to return to the sport after resting and undergoing physical therapy. However, depending on the severity of the injury, some wrestlers may need to retire from the sport.
Preventing Neck Injuries In Wrestling
There are several things you can do to help prevent neck injuries in wrestling. Some of these include:
Use Proper Form
When Taking Falls and Performing Holds
One of the most common causes of neck injuries is incorrect form when taking a fall or performing a hold. It is important to learn the proper way to do these things so that you can avoid putting unnecessary stress on your neck. This proper form of falling is called “break falling.”
Use Proper Form When Landing On Your Opponent
When you are landing on your opponent, it is important to use proper form to avoid injuring yourself or your opponent. Landing with your weight balanced on your feet and keeping your head up will help you avoid neck injuries.
Wear The Proper Equipment
Wearing the proper equipment can help protect you from neck injuries. A neck brace, mouthguard, and ear guards can all help reduce the risk of injury. Sometimes, wrestlers may also wear a special type of headgear that covers the ears and neck. This headgear is called a “cervical collar.”
Warm Up Properly Before Wrestling
Warming up properly before wrestling will help prepare your body for physical activity and reduce the risk of injury. A good warm-up should include some light cardio, stretching, and joint mobility exercises. These exercises will help increase blood flow to your muscles and joints, which will help reduce the risk of injury.
Cool Down After Wrestling
Just as it is important to warm up before wrestling, it is also important to cool down after wrestling. This will help your body recover from physical activity and reduce the risk of injuries. A good cool-down should include some light cardio, stretches, and foam rolling. These activities will help reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility.
Try To Avoid Neck Cranks
Neck cranks are a type of move that can put unnecessary stress on the neck and lead to injuries. If you are on the receiving end of a neck crank, try to tap out or signal for the match to be stopped. If you are on the giving end of a neck crank, be sure to release the hold as soon as your opponent taps out or signals for the match to be stopped.
Be sure to seek medical attention if you experience any pain or discomfort in your neck while wrestling. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries can help prevent further damage and improve recovery time.
Conclusion
Neck injuries are a common occurrence in wrestling. While most of these injuries are minor, some can be quite serious. It is important to take precautions to prevent neck injuries and to seek medical attention if an injury does occur.
Some of the best ways to prevent neck injuries in wrestling are to use proper technique when performing moves, to warm up and stretch properly before practices and matches, and to wear the appropriate protective gear. If an injury does occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
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