Importance of Neck Strength
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Neck strength is an essential trait for every martial artist, both strikers and grapplers, to minimize neck, spine and brain injuries. Why? Force absorption.
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Striking martial arts have to absorb considerable forces from punches and kicks. Clinch martial arts, such as Muay Thai, your opponent may be manipulating your head position to off-balance you, literally tugging on your neck to break your posture. In grappling arts it is not uncommon to be thrown and land on your head or even to use the head as an additional post for balance. In submission grappling your neck is a prime target for attacks which accumulates massive amounts of stress via chokes and neck cranks.
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The cervical musculature has two main functions:
1️⃣The ability move your head for optimal sensory orientation.
2️⃣Stabilize the head on the trunk. .
Excessive forces on the neck –
/ head may put unnecessary strain on intervertebral discs or may lead to a concussion.
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Stronger cervical muscles may be a factor in reducing the risk of concussion. However this only helps when the defender is aware of the strike (Neumann), which is why boxing coaches famously say “the worst punch is the one you didn’t see coming”.
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How do you strengthen the neck?
Like the lumbar spine, the intrinsic neck musculature is designed to resist opposing forces instead of trying to overcome a force. .
My personal recommendation for neck strengthening is @theironneck . It allows for progressive strengthening of the neck in multiple planes of motion. This tool strengthens through stabilization opposed to classic neck harnesses, which treats the neck as a prime mover.
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As Jiu jitsu legend @Jeanjacquesmachado said “Never trust your neck.”
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Reference:
1️⃣Neumann, D. A. Neumann, Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system: Foundations for Rehabititaion