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UK Orthopaedics
Health Information
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Burners/Stingers
From Zachazewski JE, Magee DJ, Quillen WS: Athletic Injuries and Rehabilitation.
Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1997, p. 442.
Description
A burner or stinger is a common nerve condition that causes pain and weakness in
the shoulder. It involves injury to all or part of the nerves to the arm and
shoulder (brachial plexus). The nerves are stretched by a tackle or fall on the
shoulder that causes the neck to bend toward the other shoulder or a direct blow
to the neck. Injury to these nerves results in variable patterns of pain,
weakness, or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand. The pain or weakness may
last for variable lengths of time depending on the severity of injury (seconds
to weeks or longer).
Common Signs and Symptoms – Notify a physician if these symptoms do not resolve within 72 hours or you experience more than 3 episodes:
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Sudden intense burning or stinging pain from the
side of the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand and fingers at the time of injury
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Pain and discomfort (burning or dull ache) that is poorly localized
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Heaviness or fatigue of the shoulder, arm or hand
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Loss of power of the shoulder, arm, elbow or hand
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Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles sensation around the shoulder, arm or hand
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Symptoms that last seconds to months
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of rest from the involved activity, icing every two
to three hours for 20 minutes for the first 72 hours and anti-inflammatory
medications to help reduce inflammation and pain. The nerves usually
spontaneously recover within seconds but may take up to 6 months. Maintaining
shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand range of motion while waiting for nerve
recovery is very important. Referral to a physical therapist or an athletic
trainer may be recommended for further treatment. Surgery is almost never
necessary. Returning to play before the injury has completely recovered (normal
examination and no symptoms) increases the risk for recurrent injury, increased
severity of injury, and permanent injury.
 More on shoulder pain and problems
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