What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Brachial Plexus Injury
• Cervical Nerve Stretch Syndrome
• Stingers and Burners

What is Burners and Stingers? (Definition/Background Information)

• Burners and Stingers are common and painful injuries to the brachial plexus, which is a collection of nerves that stretch from the back of the neck to the arm
• A high percentage of Burners and Stingers injuries are caused by a sudden forceful hit, or redirection of an athlete’s head, neck, or shoulder (caused by sudden motion)
• These injuries are largely short-lived, and the symptoms dissipate relatively quickly. Sometimes, depending on the cause of the condition, the symptoms may be present for a long-term
• Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods are available for Burners and Stingers

Who gets Burners and Stingers? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Burners and Stingers may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and gender
• Overall, they are likely to develop in athletes, who participate in rough or high-impact (contact) sports

What are the Risk Factors for Burners and Stingers? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Burners and Stingers include:

• Participation in high-risk contact sports, such as football, wrestling, or even gymnastics
• Individuals, who develop a degenerative disorder, which involves an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal within the neck region; termed as cervical spinal stenosis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Burners and Stingers? (Etiology)

A few causes of Burners and Stingers include:

• Participation in any rough or high-impact sport
• Any significant traumatic event, such as an automobile accident, resulting in violent stretching of the brachial plexus nerve
• Other traumatic events that may also cause damage to the brachial plexus include animal bites, bullet or knife wounds

Burners and Stingers are not uncommon in newborn infants. However, complications may exist during delivery, such as a presentation breech or prolonged labor.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Burners and Stingers?

Usually, the symptoms associated with Burners and Stingers occur in one arm, and it lasts anywhere from a few seconds to minutes. However, in 5-10% of the cases, the symptoms may last for several days.

Signs and symptoms of Burners and Stingers may include:

• A burning or stinging sensation
• Numbness and weakness in the arm, shortly after sustaining the injury
• Warm sensation in the affected shoulder and arm

How is Burners and Stingers Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Burners and Stingers include:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is important in determining, if Burners and Stingers have occurred. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• Diagnostic methods, such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, electromyogram (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCV), may be required depending on the clinical situation

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Burners and Stingers?

Complications associated with Burners and Stingers could include:

• Chronic pain and numbness in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand
• Permanent weakness in the shoulder, arms, or hands. The age and location of the injury are usually the main determining factors
• Muscle atrophy

How is Burners and Stingers Treated?

Treatment for Burners and Stingers usually involves stopping all further participation in the athletic sports event, to prevent any further injury and until the symptoms completely disappear. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods are available to treat the condition.

Non-surgical treatment measures include:

• Any activity that aggravates the neck condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain or symptoms get better
• Applying ice to the neck can help reduce pain and swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as Ibuprofen and naproxen, can help decrease the pain and swelling
• However, it has to be noted that the pain may last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity of the injury

Surgical treatment measures:

• Nerve graft: Nerve graft is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which a segment of unrelated nerve (from another part of the body), is used to replace or bridge the damaged section of nerve
• Nerve transfer: Nerve transfer is a surgical procedure that involves taking a less important nerve attached to its root, and reconnecting it to the nerve, which is no longer attached

Physicians may perform nerve transfer surgical technique, in order to use nerves that are close to the target muscle or sensory area, instead of performing a repair (nerve graft) farther from the muscle. This may help in shortening an individual’s recovery time.

How can Burners and Stingers be Prevented?

Burners and Stingers are usually difficult to prevent. However, following certain guidelines may help decrease the risk of injury or complications. These include:

• It is important to learn safe sports technique, prior to participating in any high-impact sport, such as football or wrestling
• Individuals should also wear appropriate safety equipment, to help decrease the chances of any injury, such as Burners and Stingers
• Appropriate treatment of individuals with cervical spinal stenosis may help prevent the condition, in such individuals
• For children with Erb’s palsy, it is very important for a parent, to exercise their child daily. This should begin, when the child is around 3-weeks old, under the guidance of a suitable healthcare provider

What is the Prognosis of Burners and Stingers? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long-term prognosis of Burners and Stingers is usually good, in a majority of the individuals. A high percentage of such injuries are brief and disperse relatively quickly
• When properly treated, most individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in their affected shoulder, neck, or arm

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Burners and Stingers:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/