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 are the causes?
Stretching, pinching, or bruising the nerves in your neck and shoulder. This can happen when: ‚
- The head is pushed down and to the side while your shoulder is pushed down
- The head is moved quickly to one side
- There is a direct blow to the area above the collarbone near the neck
What can make this more likely to happen?
This injury is more likely to happen if you play sports with a lot of physical contact. Football, hockey, and martial arts are examples of these. You may also get this injury if you hit some other player or a goal post. This may happen in sports like soccer, baseball, or lacrosse. If the space where the nerves come out of the spine is too narrow, you are also more likely to have a burner or stinger. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Burning or stinging pain in the neck or shoulder that shoots down the arm
- Arm is weak
- Numbness or tingling in the arm
- Feeling of warmth in the neck, shoulder, or arm
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will feel around your neck and arm. Your doctor may push and pull on the neck and arm to check your strength and motion. Your doctor may also check your reflexes and look for any numbness in your arm. Your doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray
- MRI scan, electromyelogram (EMG), or nerve conduction studies if problems dont go away in a few days or if signs are felt in both arms. Pain in both arms could be a sign of a more serious problem.
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Special equipment, like pads and collars, for sports to prevent further injury
- Exercises
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
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.
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚