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MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CAGE FIGHTERS THAT RECEIVE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS WILL SUFFER WITH LESS TRAUMATIC SPINAL TRAUMAS

Author: K. Stopa, Jr.,D.C.,C.C.S.P.
Main Street Family Chiropractic Center P.C., Northville, Michigan

 

 

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to show that Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) cage fighters suffer with less traumatic spinal traumas when using chiropractic spinal adjustments prior to, and post fighting events.

METHODS: Chiropractic spinal adjustments were given to two MMA cage fighters (n=1 and n=2). There was one MMA cage fighter used as a control (n=3). Documentation includes head, neck, spine orthopedic, and neurological test results. Dual Petrometers were used to record spinal range of motion. X-Ray of head, neck, and spine show spinal traumas. Three cage fighters were observed over a nine month period. One MMA cage fighter, n=1, received pre and post fight spinal adjustments. One MMA cage fighter, n=2, received pre fight spinal adjustments. The control, n=3, received no spinal adjustments. An Internal Review Board was not sought or obtained for this study.

RESULTS: The MMA cage fighter, n=1, that received chiropractic adjustments prior to, and post fighting events did suffer with subluxations that could be resolved with spinal adjustments. The MMA cage fighter, n=1, did not suffer with severe spinal traumas such as dislocations, fractures, and grade three concussions. The MMA cage fighter, n=2, that only received pre fight spinal adjustments suffered with more subluxations of the spine and experienced more symptoms. The MMA cage fighter, n=3, that received no spinal adjustments pre and post fight complained with symptoms of full body muscle soreness.

CONCLUSION: The MMA cage fighter, N=1, that received pre and post fight spinal adjustments experienced less subluxations and had less symptoms. None of the three MMA cage fighters, n=1, n=2, or n=3, experienced severe spinal traumas such as spinal dislocations, spinal fractures, or grade three concussions. Further investigation may be warranted.