Stinger/Burner

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• A stinger, also called a burner, is an injury to the group of nerves in your neck and arm that can cause pain and numbness.
• Rest your neck and arms until the pain and symptoms are gone. You may need physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles.

________________________________________________________________________

What is a stinger/burner?

A stinger, also called a burner, is an injury to the group of nerves in your neck and arm. They branch off the spinal cord, go between the bones in your neck, and then into your shoulder. These nerves give your arm and hand the ability to move and feel. A stinger is also called a brachial plexus injury.

What is the cause?

The brachial nerves can be injured by being overstretched or by being compressed. A stinger is common in contact sports, like football. It happens in one of two ways:

• Your head and neck are forced toward your shoulder, which compresses the nerves that go from the spinal cord to that arm.
• Your head and neck are forced away from your shoulder, which overstretches those nerves.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are usually in one arm only. You may feel a few seconds of intense pain (like your arm is on fire) from your neck down to your arm. After the initial pain goes away, you may have numbness, weakness or tingling in your neck or arm for several weeks.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. Tests may include:

• X-rays
• CT scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to show detailed pictures of the muscles
• An EMG (also called an electromyogram), which uses needles passed through your skin to send mild electric signals and check how your nerves and muscles respond
• MRI scan, which uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show detailed pictures of the muscles

How is it treated?

• Rest your neck and arms until the pain and symptoms are gone
• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take for more than 10 days.
• You may need physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles. Follow your provider’s instructions for doing exercises to help you recover.

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent a stinger?

A stinger is best prevented by doing exercises that keep the muscles in your neck strong.