BJJ after neck injury

[Tripdog]

Jocko and Echo Charles-

5 weeks ago I started training at 10PJJ because of the close proximity to my house in La Mesa. My goals were simple; pull myself out of an unhealthy lifestyle filled with cycles of addiction, get in shape and learn Jiu Jitsu to hopefully share it with my now three year old son one day.

Last Friday while sitting at my desk, a sharp pain fired through the base of my skull and radiated down into my elbow. It was like being hit by lightning. I knew immediately that something was very wrong. Long story short, I have been diagnosed with 2 herniated discs in my neck. A month before I began my training at 10P, I started strength training 3 times a week and in just 2 months of healthy living, I've seen awesome changes in my life, not the least of which was my outlook on life.

I am 49 years old. Of course after the news of my injury, everyone blames Jiu Jitsu even though it occurred at work. I don't know what my future holds in terms of my treatment and recovery, but at this moment, I have no intention of giving up the Jiu Jitsu training in the long term. The feedback I'm getting on this attitude is that it's both unwise and selfish. Do you agree? Or perhaps you know of somebody who has had this kind of injury and come back to training?

I haven't been training long, but in a short period of time I came to love the gym, my new friends there, and the progress I have made. I just don't want to give them up. If anything is to blame I feel like it could as easily be my age or the strength training.

Good evening.
Tripdog

[mynewunit]

An injury is not a reason to stop training or give something up forever.  Divide it into 2 problems.  What can I do with the injury? What can I do to heal my injury? 

Lots of people at BJJ have issues with spines. Ask your instructor what he would recommend. 10th planet probably has enough people training there that someone else has a similar issue. 

Then all Jocko's regular answers. 1. Do what you can. Work lower body or arms. 2. Don't train with the new hotshot white belt. 

Big picture: Getting injured can be an indicator that you are pushing too hard.  It is awesome that you are back on the Path. Surround yourself with good people. Remember that the path is more important than any one skill. If you have to give up lifting or BJJ, there are other areas to pursue. Keep it up. 

[Tripdog]

Thanks man. When I wrote this, I was in a pretty dark place and I hadn't yet met with the neurosurgeon. I suppose I was fishing for some reassurance. After reading your comments and hearing what the doc had to say, I'm in a way better place. I know I have to take it slow, but I also know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and most importantly, I know I'm not going to have to give up anything. I'm taking things one step at a time and knowing all of my efforts and progress to date were not in vain mean the world to me. Thanks again!

Aug 15, 2017 4:21:00 GMT -8 mynewunit said:

An injury is not a reason to stop training or give something up forever.  Divide it into 2 problems.  What can I do with the injury? What can I do to heal my injury? 

Lots of people at BJJ have issues with spines. Ask your instructor what he would recommend. 10th planet probably has enough people training there that someone else has a similar issue. 

Then all Jocko's regular answers. 1. Do what you can. Work lower body or arms. 2. Don't train with the new hotshot white belt. 

Big picture: Getting injured can be an indicator that you are pushing too hard.  It is awesome that you are back on the Path. Surround yourself with good people. Remember that the path is more important than any one skill. If you have to give up lifting or BJJ, there are other areas to pursue. Keep it up. 

[mynewunit]

We know the dark places here. This is a great community to share your despair. Over the last year I have learned that most of the questions we get on the boards are not looking for an answer as much as they are looking for someone to agree with our anger. I am no stranger to depression and anger. I had some wise men around me when I struggled. Now I am trying to return the favor.

Stay on the Path, Tripdog. Stumbles and hang ups are life, not your failings.
If you need me again I will be here.