About this topic
Nerves carry messages back and forth from the brain and muscles. There are a group of nerves in your lower neck and shoulder area. These nerves let you move your arm and hand and feel things. An injury to this group of nerves is often called a burner or stinger. When you stretch, pinch, or bruise the nerves, it may feel like you have an electric shock shooting down your arm. You may have pain or numbness for a few seconds, a few minutes, or even a few days or longer. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Use special protection when playing sports. Football players may need special pads to protect the neck. Ask your doctor or trainer about the right pads for you.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy (PT) or an athletic trainer to learn exercises and for treatments to help you heal faster. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. You should not do the activity that caused the burner or stinger if you have any pain, weakness, or numbness. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear the right equipment when playing sports. This includes protective equipment and padding.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Keep your neck and shoulder muscles strong and flexible.
- Do not rush back into your sport after a burner or stinger. You should not be playing if you still have any pain, weakness, or numbness.
- Be extra careful if you have had this injury before. You may need extra padding or protection for contact sports.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Problem is in both arms
- Burning or stinging pain lasts longer than 5 minutes
- You had the same injury in the past
- Problem goes away but comes back in a few days
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have burning or stinging that does not go away after 5 minutes or the problem goes away and comes back.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00027 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sports_center/injuries/burners.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚