Burners (also called stingers) are injuries to the
nerve network that provides feeling and muscle control in the shoulder, arm, forearm,
hand, and fingers. The medical name for burners is brachial plexus injuries. They are common
sports injuries. Most go away pretty quickly.
What Happens in a Burner?
The brachial plexus nerve network begins with nerve roots at the spinal cord in
the neck and reaches to the armpit. Nerves branch out from there and continue down
the arm to the forearm, hand, and fingers.
When a strong force increases the angle between the neck and shoulders, the brachial
plexus nerves might stretch or tear. The injury may also pull the nerve roots of the
brachial plexus from the spinal cord. Damaged nerves conduct sensation poorly and
weaken muscle movements.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a Burner?
Someone with a burner may complain of:
pain or an electric shock shooting down the arm
numbness in the arm or fingers
clumsiness or weakness in the hand or arm
a warm sensation in the affected area
A severe injury may cause paralysis (loss of movement) of the arm and a loss of
sensation.
Who Gets Burners?
Football players
are most at risk for burners. But they also can happen in teens who participate in:
Burners can also happen in a motor vehicle crash when the head is pushed to one
side or something hits the neck and shoulder.
How Are Burners Diagnosed?
A doctor will usually recognize a burner from your symptoms and a physical exam.
The doctor may check arm strength, reflexes, and range of motion in the arm.
neck pain or decreased range of motion in the neck
symptoms in both arms
weakness lasting more than a few days
problems with thinking, speech, or memory
The tests can help doctors see the extent of the injury and rule out a more serious
condition, such as a spine fracture.
How Are Burners Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe a burner is. Many mild injuries need no treatment
because feeling and muscle control return within a few minutes.
Someone with a lasting burner might need:
Ice applied to the affected area. Use an ice bag or a cold compress
for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for the first couple of days to ease any swelling.
Anti-inflammatory medicines. Pain relievers (such as ibuprofen
or acetaminophen) can help ease pain and
in the neck and shoulder.
Range of motion exercises. Your doctor may recommend exercises
to keep the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand limber and flexible while the nerves heal.
These can also help ease muscle spasms.
What Else Should I Know?
Most burners go away on their own. Someone with a more serious injury might work
with a physical therapist or
trainer to keep the muscles strong during healing.
A burner should heal completely before you return to sports. To make burners less
likely if you play contact sports, be sure to:
Keep your neck and shoulder muscles as strong and flexible as possible.
Gently stretch
the neck muscles before any athletic activity.
Use protective gear (like a football neck collar or specially designed shoulder
pads).
Use proper sports technique (never lead with your head during a football game,
etc.).
