Burners and stingers are common sport-related injuries, sustained especially during contact and collision sports such as wrestling and football. These injuries affect the nerve supply / brachial plexus of the upper arm – primarily the neck or shoulder. Hence, this is also known as brachial plexus injury

1. Burners and Stingers – A Brief Guide

2. Burners and stingers are common sport-related injuries, sustained especially during
contact and collision sports such as wrestling and football. These injuries affect the nerve
supply / brachial plexus of the upper arm – primarily the neck or shoulder. Hence, this is also
known as brachial plexus injury.
What Are the Typical Symptoms?
Those affected with burners or stingers may experience a burning or stinging pain
which radiates from the shoulders to the hands. This may be a feeling like an electric shock.
Some other symptoms associated with this condition are:
 Numbness
 Tingling sensation
 Loss of movement in the shoulders, neck, armor hand
 Warmsensation
 Weakness in the hands and fingers
 Shoulder and neck pain
Usually, these symptoms go away within minutes. In certain cases, it may last for
hours, days or for a longer period of time.
Who Are at Risk?
Athletes who have spinal stenosis or a narrowing of the spinal canal are likely to be
affected with this condition. Football players and wrestlers are at high risk. A fall onto the
head such as one that may happen during a football tackle or wrestling takedown, when
the head is forcefully pushed sideways and down can result in burners or stingers. Such a
fall bends the neck and pinches the surrounding nerves. Even a minor injury with
symptoms of this condition should never be left unattended.
Treating Burners andStingers
If you wish to get back to your sports or recreational activities just as before, it is
always advisable to seek expert care. Early diagnosis will ensure speedy recovery. There
are several non-surgical options available now to treat the condition. Physical therapy,
electrotherapy, massage and chiropractic care are highly effective. These treatments
would help you resolve the pain, improve your range of mobility and strength, and
enable you to actively engage in your favoritesport.
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3. Make sure to obtain services from experienced pain management physicians for
better results. Generally, physicians and therapists carefully understand the nature of injury
prior to commencing the treatment. An X-ray of your cervical spine or MRI of your brachial
plexus might also be obtained as part of the diagnosis process. Electro-diagnostic studies are
often performed to understand the musclesignals and nerve conduction.
Usually, for effective treatment of burners or stingers, physicians advise the athletes
to keep away from sports activities until the symptoms are completely gone. This may take a
few days or weeks.
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