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Burner(Stinger)
by
Carrie Myers Smith DefinitionA burner is an injury to the bundle of nerves in your neck. These nerves run from the back of your neck into your arm. The nerves leave the spine and form a group called the brachial plexus. The plexus extends into the upper shoulder. From here, the nerves split into individual strings. The nerve strings go to all the arm muscles, supplying sensation to the arm. A burner may also be called a stinger.
CausesA burner may be caused by injury to the brachial plexus, such as:
Risk FactorsFactors that increase your chance of a burner include:
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and how the injury occurred. One of the most important questions is whether symptoms occur in one arm only, in both arms, or in either leg at the same time. Symptoms in more than one limb may be more serious, suggesting injury to the spine or spinal cord. This may need more extensive evaluation. The doctor will examine you for:
Serious burners can be evaluated with a electrodiagnostic studies. These are tests of the electrical activity of the nerve. They can help to determine the extent of the injury. It is important to make sure symptoms are due to burners and not a more serious injury to the spine or spinal cord. Early recognition of this condition can prevent possible paralysis. Careful postinjury evaluation can help prevent permanent damage or re-injury. TreatmentSome burners last only a few minutes. These will not need medical treatment. Treatments options for persistent symptoms include: Physical TherapyBurners can cause muscle weakness. A referral to a physical therapist may be needed. The therapist will focus on muscle strengthening while the nerve heals. The decision to return to a sport activity after a burner requires careful evaluation. It is important that the nerve has fully healed and there is a low chance of re-injury. An MRI scan or nerve study may need to be done to confirm this. Multiple burner injuries in 1 season may be reason to restrict return to play. In this case, the player should consult an experienced sports medicine physician for evaluation. MedicationNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be used to reduce discomfort. IceIcing the neck as needed may help to reduce discomfort. PreventionTo help reduce your chance of a burner:
RESOURCES:Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:Burners. Family Doctor website. Available at:
https://familydoctor.org/condition/burners/. Accessed January 29, 2021. Burners and stingers. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Ortho Info website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Burners and stingers. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Burner (Stinger). Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Dimberg EL, Burns TM. Management of common neurologic conditions in sports.
Clin Sports Med.
2005;24(3)637-662. Last reviewed September 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Shawna Grubb, RN Last Updated: 1/29/2021 | |