from PARALYZED to WALKING! | Doctor Explains Ryan Shazier Injury

Ryan Shazier suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that could have left him paralyzed, but fortunately he has been able to recover and is already back walking on his own!
I'm a doctor and a sports fan and in this video I'm going to teach you some basics of spinal cord injuries so that you can learn more about these types of injuries that athletes (and everyone else) can unfortunately suffer. The NFL often gets more attention with brain injuries and concussions, but we can't forget about the possibility of spinal cord injuries.
-Brian
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Disclaimer: Content not to be taken as medical advice. Opinions represent those of the individual and not my employer. Media clips used with "Fair Use" guidelines.
Middendorp et all, "A clinical prediction rule for ambulation outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury: a longitudinal cohort study", The Lancet, Volume 377, Issue 9770, March 19, 2011
#NFL #NFLhighlights

[@DrAdnan]

It’s remarkable how athletes can sometimes go from the most physically capable humans on earth to some of the least physically capable in a matter of moments.

[@othmanbricha937]

Adnan A that’s not just athletes. That’s everyone

[@xtracool12]

Othman Bricha I think what he means is how we perceive them as above this sort of stuff, but they are just as susceptible to suffer an injury as we normal people would be

[@DoomerZ666]

Not really remarkable at all considering what they do

[@andrewd6956]

@@othmanbricha937 emphasis on most physically capable.

[@MrYoYoBoBoChaddyInsaneZhangII]

xtracool12 They’re probably much more susceptible considering the stuff they put their bodies through on a daily basis.

[@Weasel_Blaster49]

Can you do a video about pitchers blowing out their arms, and what it really means when they blow their arms

[@goldenpuncake328]

I agree

[@SliceofBread123]

In short it's an elbow injury (to the tendons/ligaments)

[@Blk-n-Blu]

Are you talking about the elbow, where they require tommy john surgery?

[@Abram_]

Wired did a pretty good video about pitching last year, jump to 4:15 if you only want to see them talk about the injury aspects. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqbHf4KKe86ki9U

[@malikmcdowellswreckedatv5100]

I blew my arm out when I was 10 throwing 80 mph fastballs. I was the #1 pitcher in my league at the time until the injury occurred. It has to do with the labrum and tendons in your elbow that stabilize and allow flexibility for throws like that; throwing causes immense stress on your shoulders and elbows. I tore my labrum 5cm and popped two sacks within my elbow tendons. The shitty part is I had Oregon state coaches talking with me about their program asking if I’d love to go pro since I lived 2 hours away from them. I still had 7 years of schooling obviously but they noticed and approached me. After the injury I could never play again :(. It sucked so bad and as a wrestler also it was excruciating in matches.

[@trevorhman12]

Your videos are so underrated. You take serious medical things and “dumb them down” so we non doctor people can understand the injuries more.

[@johnathanswaid]

@Hush Yeah anytime you see MD next to someone's name it means they have a degree in medicine/they're a doctor

[@benmartin7090]

Hush are you stupid

[@Zerske]

If you like video games I recommend tier zoo

[@tyreefreeman7450]

@Hush did u just ask that dumb ass question (late)

[@isaakordaz4666]

You should do a Brandon Roy video! I love all your work and it’s very interesting!

[@BrianSuttererMD]

It's on my list !

[@jefftkey]

I was at Steelers training camp last summer when he walked across the field. I'm proud to say that I was part of the standing ovation. He's a true inspiration.

[@93KJBrown]

Not an injury that kept an active player out, but the Steve Kerr spine issues I imagine would be interesting to cover

[@francischik8409]

Hi Dr. Sutterer Thank you for your videos and providing knowledge to spinal cord injuries. I'm an occupational therapist who works at a spine unit at a hospital and it is devastating for any individual to go through any injury like this. Many people lack knowledge regarding these injuries so I'm glad you are able to use this platform to shed some light on spinal cord injured individuals. I love the education you provide to the general public for all of your videos and I hope you keep up the hard work.

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Thank you so much!! Honestly therapists probably make more impact than us docs lol. Appreciate all you do for our patients :)

[@francischik8409]

@@BrianSuttererMD We all have our place working in the complicated medical field. I love working with physiatrists, by far the best medical specialty!

[@skinsfan-nw4pp]

@@francischik8409 I had a Spinal cord injury almost 6 years ago. I had a tree fall on my truck crushing the cab. It broke my neck and my spinal cord was severely damaged at the c5. It was so bad the initial thought was it was severed. I was classified Asia A complete. I had nothing from my chest down. No use of tricep on left and no use of my left hand. My right hand was so weak I couldnt hold a cup or pick up a coin. I had to depend on people for everything. About a month and half later mylk left hand started moving and regained use of left tricep. Then it was about a year or more later before I started to get anything back. I have alot of feeling back through my body and more control over my core. I still cant move my legs but I can walk in water. Im still making progress but its so slow and extremely hard mentally. Ive had alot of doctors that are really surprised how much I can move with my injury. I was also told how rare it is just to have my hands back.: Have you seen very many people regain hand function? This injury definitely vm½²-u

[@robertvasquez1845]

@@skinsfan-nw4pp sorry to hear. About your injury. But glad to hear about your progress. Keep trucking! I know you'll get there if you want to!

[@robertvasquez1845]

@@skinsfan-nw4pp it'll take you as far as you want to go. Stay positive and headstrong. For every doctor that doesnt care there is one that does. Good luck on your marathon.

[@willy45]

I have been waiting for this!! Thanks!!

[@CasusCantare]

Yessss! I’ve been waiting for this video. Great analysis as always. I’m glad you did it.

[@upallnight8711]

You are so amazing! Super glad you decide to upload and share this with us.

[@MuddyTrench]

Don't know how i found you but I'm glad i did i understand most of the stuff already but its nice to have a basic explanation from an actual doctor. Keep up the good work man!

[@brandonferrell828]

Like millions of others. I watched this hit live. He is one of my favorite players of all time.

[@gillybean5672]

Thank you for this video. Ryan is an incredible man, and with the rest of Steelers Nation #Shalieve!

[@Stryke2wice]

Looking forward to hearing about how you landed a contract with one of the professional sports leagues or sports media companies producing content like this on their behalf. What you’re doing here is incredible and you have a talent for deconstructing these injuries in a very simple yet comprehensive way (plus you have a face and voice for the big screen). Keep it up doc!

[@elijahleonard4490]

This is easily my fav channel now keep doing your thing!

[@Chandasouk]

Hell yeah! Always good to see players back on the road to recovery.

[@JenJHayden]

apologies if you have already done this, but can you do a video of Kevin Love and panic attacks/'mental injuries and how it impacts the body.

[@successanyanwu5609]

These videos are amazing, and so educational for everyone, not just those wanting to enter medicine, love them

[@josericardoortiz8134]

Your channel is so underrated. I love this blend of sports and science/biology to gain a deeper understanding of what is going on. Keep up the good work !

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Thanks!! Help me spread the word and share a vid !

[@josericardoortiz8134]

@@BrianSuttererMD I definitely will 👍🏽

[@DuncanDonuts119]

@@josericardoortiz8134 me too! I got some friends who will love this stuff!

[@Dubadubadu123]

Your channel is really blowing up, love the quality and the beat at the beginning was nice

[@profkloch]

fantastic channel Brian, you do an excellent job if explaining these injuries for us non medical folks to understand.

[@baileywolf8602]

Great stuff as a student studying physical therapy I love your videos!

[@mutedrumsdaddy3108]

Wow, you’ve made major improvements to your setting over the last year. You’re a rockstar Doc 🤘

[@diana3599]

Really like the factual presentation of known information and then the medical sop in those situations. Nicely done.

[@fhsambuichi]

Felt like this one was the most complete one to date. Amazing work!

[@brad887]

Do Zach Miller’s injury from the bears. Its a bad knee injury and it’s different from others.

[@brent24hill6]

Garrett Pretty sure he did

[@samschultz8225]

He tore his artery that’s why it was so bad

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Yea I did a video it

[@jeremydavis340.]

He did a video was pretty good too

[@scaryterry1749]

Awesome video! Excellent work!

[@ericcooley38]

This doc is awesome! Sports health learning trifecta fine sir, much appreciated

[@zzzewvolg2108]

Your videos are super helpful... love the break down! Thanks bub.

[@nathanhung9057]

Hey Dr. Sutterer, could you give some tips on how to explain things the way you do? The information are so clear and easy to understand! Your channel has really grown since PM&R stuff.

[@HarveyMeadowlark]

Browns fan for 30 years, I despise the Pittsburg Steelers, but I am amazed and inspired by that man. The teams and the rivalry stuff is for fun. But beyond the games, Ryan Shazier, an incredible athlete and an incredible man, I have the utmost respect for him. To see him walking and jogging again almost moved me to tears

[@keontesingletary9039]

Great video , wait until it’s time to for him to make his decision and what’s best for him when the time comes, no need to discourage him. Shalieve #50

[@aaronchoi2930]

Finally! we all were waiting on this

[@w0225766]

Best video yet Doc

[@megd7593]

This one was of particular interest to me, not because I have a spinal injury from trauma, but because I have MS. In 2016 I had a horrible flare that involved a LOT of the cervical spine. So while there is still function there, the sensations are completely “wrong “, which can be quite debilitating and difficult to work through. Thanks for great videos!

[@MrEMONEYman123]

Great vid, please don’t stop. You’ll blow up soon homie

[@christopherrojas1839]

Hey Brian! I love your videos man! I was wondering if you might consider doing videos on general injuries/ailments. Like shin splints for instance, and how to combat them. I’m not an athlete by any means but I train a lot to keep my body in shape since I’m a professional singer. So maybe a series of videos on small nagging injuries for the average Joe.

[@tannerrienbolt5248]

Been waiting on this. You should take a look at Dale Earnhardt’s crash and kind of look at what ended up killing him. That would be really interesting

[@ObamaFromKenya]

Tanner Rienbolt his skull fractured

[@levim.roadtonascar17]

he died unles it is dale sr.

[@somguy728]

Basal fracture of spine skull connection. HANS device invented as a result saving many lives.

[@chaseodom9205]

Underrated youtuber

[@samtheman123]

This still makes me sad to watch. He was really special. Probably the best linebacker in the league at that point and he was so young.

[@ArianChristopher]

Your videos are amazing! They teach me so much! Hopefully one day I will have as many subs as you! Keep up the amazing work!

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Thank you!

[@drokeshishi1579]

@@BrianSuttererMD hey can you do a video on Shareef O'Neal's heart surgery

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Do we officially know what was wrong though?

[@drokeshishi1579]

@@BrianSuttererMD Ya I thought maybe people in the med community would know but I haven't seen any specifics on what was wrong. Maybe a video on heart problems in sports in general and what to look out for?

[@samanthaeichhorn4319]

He doing soooooo much better now Actually running and lifting weights again #SHAILIEVE

[@etiennedanton830]

Thumbs up for the color scheme worked in between the video and the outfit, the placement of image depending on your movement to not cut anything. We can see you spend work and time on the videos and they are well made and interesting! Thank you for the knowledge sharing!

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Thanks for noticing and saying something!! Def did think about those things so I appreciate it :)

[@joshhause692]

Good shit brian

[@MrVaDelux]

What made this injury more scary was how simple the tackle was, it was such a normal football tackle. Nothing extreme literally the most normal and common tackle. I have 2 brothers that play division 1 football 1 for maryland and 1 for ECU, i was hoping to be the next but this really made me rethink about playing football

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Part of why football can be so dangerous. But also some things are just pure fluke. Like Zach Miller's...nothing to prevent that

[@JAlt-ns7pf]

Awesome video, what’s your thought on pituitary issues from excessive head injuries

[@Dalton1294]

IndyCar driver Robert Wickens is in the same boat as Shazier. Robert injured his spinal chord in a crash at Pocono last season and has been making an amazing recovery

[@mikepisacreta1364]

Love Ryan hope he comes back but as a coach

[@bigcoley1246]

Thank youuu 🙌🏾

[@tf5302]

Love the vids! Any chance you do one on Patrick mccaw’s injury from last year? Lost feeling in his legs for a while but now playing again

[@JLAdj21]

Nice video, would you consider doing a video on Inky Johnson? He was a college player and was supposed to a great Nfl player but got injured and I think you could do a great video on it.

[@rawbwasab5732]

I really liked this video, but I have one little nitpick. The background music at the start was a bit too loud and kind of distracting, it wasnt unbearable or anything though. Overall I really loved the video and I like how you make everything so easy to understand. Cheers

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Good tip. I'm not the best with the music right now and still trying to tweak that appropriately 👍

[@julianyur]

just put some chill lofi in the background, subtle and not distracting

[@jacobkaplan2798]

Here's what we've been waiting for

[@Halo.-.]

Head up "SEE WHAT YOU HIT", he ducked his head & impact was near the rear of his crown not the forehead front region. Glad he is recovering hope he gets fully back.

[@hamzous8496]

Hi Dr Brian, i hope you r fine , I propose to you to do another videos about your speciality and your life as a doctor

[@BP-jf9nb]

Instant like on these videos

[@aidanfitzgerald6327]

Great videos, Johnny Knox's injury from the Bears 2011 season would be interesting.

[@rohankumar6904]

Damn this guy smart

[@tyreefreeman7450]

No he's only a Dr

[@willy45]

Hopefully he will play again!

[@Spaxes]

there’s no way

[@jacksonclark7517]

I think the steelers already said they would resign him later next year

[@tomschramek464]

It would be good to see. But I don't think it would be a good decision for him.

[@reallyreallyreallylongname6268]

He's never going to play again, and he is an idiot if he would even try to.

[@joshjohnson2753]

I hope he never does, the dude was a great talent but literally has to relearn how to walk, let alone run, and let alone tackle at a NFL level again. He'd also be more at risk now for a permanent paralysis, it would be awful for him to work his way back, just for him to get another neck injury and never walk again

[@imperialgaming8964]

Hopefully we can get an episode on TJ Ford

[@thisistheplan414]

shoutout this guy, fr

[@domconte3091]

Similar to this topic, I’d love to see a video explaining David Wright’s spinal stenosis

[@markroberts9577]

I would love to see a series on Evil Knievils crash injuries

[@lotrdude13]

I honestly never knew about this injury or that he'd gotten hurt. Wild.

[@nickblood8632]

Can you do an Episode on the Alex Smith injury and maybe comparing his injury to Joe Theisman’s

[@ralphmiller1391]

As a Browns fan I would have love to see him give my Browns hell. I’m glad he walking again. Go Browns! Go Bucks!

[@brentappletobs5635]

Hi Dr. Brian, I'm a Filipino one of a millions basketball fan and also sports fan. We here in the Philippines loves basketball. i would like to ask what does the doctor done or fix with R. Rondo's dislocated elbow and play again at that time.. Rondo is a on Celtics at that time.. I'm just asking how it fix and play again.. Thank you Dr. Brian I always watching your video, because you help us to have a knowlegde when it comes with our favorite players and what happened to them and how to avoid it.

[@zzzewvolg2108]

Hey bub.. thanks for your time. And thanks for your knowledge. For real! You didn’t just know all this at birth, you had to work your butt off through college. I know I might be just stating the obvious but thanks again!!!

[@stewartj3407]

That’s still frightening seeing his head compress down to his shoulders. I remember seeing that when they replayed it that night.

[@nothing89457]

Hi Brian, I’m curious, when arching on seated shoulder presses or bench pressing, does it have any effect on the spine? I feel some uncomfortableness sometimes. I don’t know if thats me overthinking or is it something I should be concerned about.

[@GlAsseshalf]

Because shazier is a beast

[@battistimo]

A great, undersized player who struggled with proper form tackling. It was just a matter of time.

[@jgilbert1998]

He will be back

[@micahparsons12hunnitsacked6]

@@jgilbert1998 he’s retired...

[@tyreefreeman7450]

@@micahparsons12hunnitsacked6 fr

[@blkprl34]

i used to cringe every time i saw him tackle because he kept putting his head down. the irony is he led and put his head down on that hit he put on gio bernard in the playoffs. that was scary too

[@mikeb769]

Do you think cerebrolysin or semax could help his injury or even bpc-157. You might not know what these are but if you do...impressed

[@4_rocc330]

I got hit running through a gap in football in it fucked up my lumbar region so much to the point where I could move my left hip flexor for 3 weeks but thank got that it got better... all I gotta say is I hope dude is ok tho

[@crown20aaryan28]

your chanel's fire

[@kawhicantisniffyourleotard878]

Crown20 Aaryan hes just wearing a normal shirt and tie

[@213dennisp]

The song in the background is: ooyy - tei

[@mckenziekrebs356]

you should do one on Inky Johnson's injury at the University of Tennessee!

[@hamzous8496]

Hi Dr Brian, i hope you r fine , I propose to you to do another videos about you speciality and your life as a doctor

[@orxchi3853]

Can you do a video on Ryan Davis from the AAF? He got a nasty neck injury

[@madturtle8826]

Some things can’t be explained by science. There is no test for heart. He has already defied the odds and playing football again is just another hurdle for him to leap over. I wouldn’t bet against him. I can’t wait to see him on the field again.

[@fartknocker132]

nerve damage...muscle atrophies....is that forever? can you get that muscle back? can I prevent that atrophy?

[@yungman0319]

Hes actually been jogging and lifting lately

[@jopinofcabra]

At 3:45, "imply" should have been "infer", or possibly "deduce". Great job in all your videos of translating medical jargon into layman's terms. Too many practitioners do not do this.

[@yiinzer6122]

Imply was the proper term.

[@yiinzer6122]

Imply means strongly suggests the truth or existence of something not expressly stated. 3:40 I'm pretty sure it was a proper term

[@SadMarinersFan]

Can you do Ricardo lockette?

[@arch9433]

U need to do this again now

[@patriciatibi7115]

I find it hard to see him play football again. I’m sure his doctor is saying NO !! I had a spinal cord compression and I had surgery 2 weeks after Ryan by the Same Dr. His physician is fantastic but I don’t see him clearing him to play football. I still have deficits but improved over the first year. More than my Dr. thought I would do.

[@kathleen4563]

I agree. I suffered a spinal cord injury and cauda equina syndrome from a near fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver. I had an emergency surgery on my spine plus others on my broken leg and shoulder. It took me years to walk again without assistance, but I don’t walk like I used to nor do I have full feeling back. I’m terrified to do anything remotely dangerous for my back such as roller coasters. I used to love them and almost anything that got my adrenaline going. Ive had enough excitement to last several lifetimes. Shazier’s recovery is insanely impressive, but I imagine he has a lot of lingering effects that may be permanent which is hard to accept.

[@joshuagenis1714]

Any idea why light touch sensation was the specific type that had the best prognostic indication?

[@Vibestr]

Hey Not sure if Markieff Morris' neck injury is on the list, but I would be curious. Thanks

[@VirgilOvidHawkins]

Yeah it seems like he’s fine but he’s not it’s weird

[@zac.s]

Can you do a video on Eric Berry and why doctors say he doesn't need surgery?

[@TheUnknownGoat1]

Will chiropractic treatment help in any way with any misalignment of the spine? Or is that too dangerous because of risk of reinjury maybe?

[@c.3514]

This stuff is so interesting

[@BrianSuttererMD]

Thank you! Educational and sports!

[@c.3514]

Brian Sutterer MD you’re welcome man, definitely keep up the great work I love this channel.

[@eddiecraig8684]

Yeah it is man i love when new videos come out very educational

[@jamesgibbs9509]

Doc, did you happen to do a video on Clint Malarchuk from the sabers getting his throat cut?

[@bobstewart8032]

Whether or not, Ryan plays football again, the most important thing is that he is walking and making wonderful progress. I just pray that he will fully heal.

[@borntobearaider7677]

That's Crazy i just asked him to make a video on this player and he already had it alrightty then

[@AndricLazar1]

Hi doc, thank you for this video. I am 7 months into my non traumatic sci classified as idiopathic transverse myelitis. Basically inflammation of the spinal cord. For me it has been very mysterious and dsvastating waking up one day paralyzed. I sprnt a month in a hospital and one more month in the wheelchair. Then i was able to walk unassisted since and making progress. Now i can jog anfd even do something that looks almost like a sprint. Motory is preserved. Some little nuscle weakness that i am working on. But my sensory were mkre affected. My leaion is between T7 and T8 on the posterior medio saggital side. So basically most affeced are proprioception and fine touch and vibration. If you hapoend to see thks comment, the mistery for me is, if cns nerves are unable to regenerate, how am I making auch a progress constantly. 5 month after standing up from a wheelchair, nkw i train crossfit, yoga, swimming, i ride motorcycle and also sexual function came back. The only issue I have is the lack of that "sixth sense". Nothing feels the same even though i am fully independent and functional. Some bladder and bowel issues but it is much better and still making progress. How is this possible if nerves dont grow back? Many thanks, Regards from Serbia

[@seedvicious3294]

Can you do yao ming? And what means to big men in the nba. Is it somehow similar to bol bol's injury.

[@JAlt-ns7pf]

Is it possible to have a patient from a football injury (neck injury) cause numbness in the arms but not the legs?

[@flashie-7199]

Can you do a video on cam newton shoulder ?

[@tr0picz33]

Is this similar to Johnny Knox’s injury? I don’t know much about that one.

[@conman743]

Do Clint Malarchuk!