The Brazilian jiu-jitsu world has recently been hit by a tragic accident in which Jack Greener, a 23-year-old white belt, sustained a horrific spinal injury while rolling with his black belt coach Francisco Iturralde. This injury led to Jack becoming a quadriplegic and becoming limp in all extremities. Due to this, a San Diego jury has awarded Jack Greener more than 46m$ in compensation. In this article, we will look at how serious this spinal injury is and the potential dangers of an injury like this from a doctor’s perspective. Stay tuned and enjoy the article!

A broken neck is a severe injury that can have significant consequences for the individual and lead to permanent disability. There are seven vertebrae in the human neck, ranging from C1 to C7. These vertebrae are stacked on each other and separated by discs acting as shock absorbers. In addition, the neck also contains many vital structures, such as the spinal cord, nerve roots, and major blood vessels that supply the brain. 

Two main types of fractures can occur in the neck, stable and unstable fractures. Stable fractures are the ones that do not cause any damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots. Generally, they occur in the lower part of the neck and are caused by forceful movements or car accidents. On the other hand, unstable neck fractures are much more dangerous and usually damage the spinal cord or nerve roots. Unstable neck fractures require immediate medical attention, as they can cause paralysis or, in some cases, even death. 

A broken neck can have multiple consequences. Depending on the severity of the injury, a broken neck can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and paralysis. In addition, there is also a possibility of respiratory problems due to a broken neck, and these complications can be life-threatening. In Jack Greener’s case, he paid the ultimate price with quadriplegia, which is paralysis of all four limbs. Treatment of a broken neck usually involves immobilizing the neck using a brace or a collar. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to prevent further spinal cord damage if the neck is severely injured. The doctor may also recommend physical therapy to restore function in the neck and surrounding areas. 

My name is Milos; I am the owner and head coach of Fort Jiu-Jitsu! Thank you for reading the article, and I hope you enjoyed it! Train hard and stay safe!