Hi, I used to compete professionally in Thai Boxing and MMA.
All the hard wrestling, conditioning and a day job requiring awkward lifting resulted in a similar neck injury for me.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly after so had to retire from the fight life.
The extreme chronic pain triggered my latent neurological issue.
I took about 6 months off any training but was able to do some physio and light Muay Thai/MMA workouts once or twice a week after that.
I can do some live drilling here and there but no more proper sparring due the risks.
After a year or two I can train a bit, but its never the same, sometimes my upper body just reacts really badly to jolting or overexertion, and I need to take more time off.
I'm doing everything I can now to avoid getting surgery, paying attention to my lifestyle.
From what I know, 1 surgery will lead to several more down the road as the replacements wear out and fusions place pressure on adjacent vertebrae/discs.
Its frustrating at times, especially when you feel you have a lot of unfinished business in fighting, but there is life after the ring/cage that lasts a lot longer and the risks from sustaining more damage to your neck can be catastrophic for your long term health and ability to live properly.
Take lots of time to rest your body, get a good mattress and pillow, and do some swimming regularly to avoid nerve atrophy.
