Burners (also called stingers) are injuries to the nerve network that provides feeling and muscle control in the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, and fingers. The medical name for burners is brachial plexus injuries. They are common sports injuries. Most go away pretty quickly.
The brachial plexus nerve network begins with nerve roots at the spinal cord in the neck and reaches to the armpit. Nerves branch out from there and continue down the arm to the forearm, hand, and fingers.
When a strong force increases the angle between the neck and shoulders, the brachial plexus nerves might stretch or tear. The injury may also pull the nerve roots of the brachial plexus from the spinal cord. Damaged nerves conduct sensation poorly and weaken muscle movements.
Someone with a burner may complain of:
A severe injury may cause paralysis (loss of movement) of the arm and a loss of sensation.
Football players are most at risk for burners. But they also can happen in teens who participate in:
Burners can also happen in a motor vehicle crash when the head is pushed to one side or something hits the neck and shoulder.
A doctor will usually recognize a burner from your symptoms and a physical exam. The doctor may check arm strength, reflexes, and range of motion in the arm.
The doctor may order imaging tests — like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — if you have:
The tests can help doctors see the extent of the injury and rule out a more serious condition, such as a spine fracture.
Treatment depends on how severe a burner is. Many mild injuries need no treatment because feeling and muscle control return within a few minutes.
Someone with a lasting burner might need:
Most burners go away on their own. Someone with a more serious injury might work with a physical therapist or trainer to keep the muscles strong during healing.
A burner should heal completely before you return to sports. To make burners less likely if you play contact sports, be sure to:
Reviewed by: Christopher A. Gegg, MD
Date Reviewed: Apr 10, 2022