A stinger injury, also known as a burner, is a nerve injury common in athletes, particularly those participating in contact sports like football and rugby. It involves temporary disruption to nerves supplying sensation and movement in the arm and hand. Understanding these brief injuries, their identification, and management is important.
Understanding a Stinger Injury
A stinger injury specifically targets the brachial plexus, a network of nerves. These nerves originate from the spinal cord in the neck region and extend down into the shoulder, arm, and hand, controlling various movements and sensations. The injury results from damage to these nerves or their roots as they exit the spinal column.
There are two main ways a stinger injury can occur. One common mechanism is a stretching injury, which happens when the head and neck are forcefully moved to one side while the shoulder on the opposite side is simultaneously pushed downward. This motion stretches the brachial plexus, causing the nerves to be pulled taut and potentially damaged.
The second mechanism involves compression of the nerves. This can result from a direct impact or blow to the side of the neck or the shoulder area. Such an impact can squeeze the nerves of the brachial plexus against underlying bone structures, leading to their temporary dysfunction.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of a stinger injury typically appear suddenly during or immediately after the incident. These sensations affect only one arm. The discomfort is often described as a sharp, burning, or stinging pain that radiates down the arm.
Many individuals also report an electric shock-like sensation traveling from the neck down to the fingertips. Numbness or tingling (“pins and needles”) can also occur in the affected arm or hand. Additionally, temporary weakness in the arm or hand is common, sometimes leading to a sensation of the arm “going dead” or being unable to move it. These symptoms are usually transient, meaning they resolve quickly, often within minutes.
Diagnosis and Immediate Care
When someone experiences symptoms consistent with a stinger injury, seeking medical evaluation is important. Professionals typically diagnose a stinger through a physical examination and a neurological assessment. This evaluation involves checking strength, sensation, and reflexes in the affected arm to determine the extent and location of nerve involvement.
Imaging studies, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are not routinely used for typical stinger injuries but may be employed in specific situations. These imaging tests help rule out more serious underlying conditions, such as a spinal fracture, disc herniation, or persistent nerve compression, especially if symptoms are severe or do not resolve promptly. Immediate care after a stinger involves resting the affected area and avoiding activities that might aggravate the symptoms. Applying ice to the neck and shoulder region can help reduce any swelling or discomfort. It is important to refrain from returning to sports or other strenuous physical activities until all symptoms have completely subsided and medical clearance has been obtained.
Recovery and When to Seek Medical Help
Most stinger injuries are temporary, with symptoms resolving within minutes to a few days after the incident. Complete recovery, including the return of full strength and range of motion without pain, is generally expected before an individual can safely resume contact sports or other demanding activities. The transient nature of these injuries means that long-term complications are uncommon for typical cases.
However, certain “red flag” symptoms indicate a more serious injury that requires immediate medical evaluation. If symptoms do not resolve quickly and instead last for hours, days, or even weeks, medical consultation is necessary. Persistent or worsening weakness in the arm or hand is another concerning sign. Additionally, if symptoms affect both sides of the body or both arms and legs, or if they are accompanied by significant neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness, immediate medical attention is warranted. Recurrent stingers or any loss of consciousness associated with the injury also necessitate urgent medical assessment to rule out more severe underlying conditions.