Burner or stinger -Definition
A burner is an injury to the bundle of nerves that runs from the back of your neck into your arm. These separate nerves come together in the upper shoulder to form the brachial plexus. From here, the nerves go to all the arm muscles. A burner is often called a stinger.
Burner or stinger -Causes
A burner may be caused by:
Stretching of the Brachial Plexus Nerves
This can be caused by your shoulder being pushed down while your head is forced to the other side.
Pinching of the Brachial Plexus Nerves
This can happen if your head is moved quickly to one side.
Bruising of the Brachial Plexus Nerves
This can happen when the area above your collarbone is hit directly or pressure on the top of your head compresses the brachial plexus nerves against bone.
Burner or stinger -Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a burner (stinger) include:
- Playing American football — due to receiving direct blows to the head, neck, and shoulders
- Participating in contact sports
Burner or stinger -Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Burning or stinging feeling between your neck and shoulder
- Burning or stinging feeling in one arm
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulder or arm
Burner or stinger -Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. One of the most important questions is whether symptoms occur in one arm only or in both arms at the same time. Bilateral symptoms (or especially symptoms involving all four limbs) are potentially more serious and need more extensive medical evaluation.
The doctor will examine you for:
- Pain or tenderness
- Neck and arm range of motion
- Strength in the arm and hand
- Arm reflexes
- Sensation in the shoulder and hand
For serious burners you may have an electromyogram (EMG) to verify the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.
Burner or stinger -Treatment
Some burners last only a few minutes and won’t require treatment. Others may require physical therapy to strengthen your muscles while you wait for the nerve to heal itself. The decision to return an athlete to play after a burner requires careful evaluation that assures complete recovery has occurred and that there are no serious conditions that could lead to reinjury.
Some sports physicians will want an MRI or EMG study before approving return of an athlete who has suffered a burner. Multiple burner injuries in one season may be reason to restrict return to play and should generally result in referral to an experienced sports medicine physician for evaluation.
Burner or stinger -Prevention
One of the important goals in evaluation and management of burners is to recognize those injuries which could represent far more serious cervical spinal cord damage. Early recognition of this condition can prevent subsequent reinjury and possible paralysis. Careful post-injury evaluation and assurance that only one arm is symptomatic can help prevent permanent damage.
Keeping the muscles around your neck and shoulders strong and flexible will help you withstand the stress of a direct blow. Learning safe sports technique is essential. Avoid using your helmet as a contact point when tackling and blocking in football. Always make sure to wear the proper safety equipment for your sport. Pads and other modifications of athletic gear have been proposed in an effort to reduce the incidence of burners. These may be especially useful for players who have previously suffered injury.
