Burners - November 1, 1999 - American Academy of Family Physicians

Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.

An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.

Burners

What is a "burner"?

A "burner" is an injury to one or more nerves between your neck and shoulder. It is also called a "stinger." It usually happens in sports like football. It's not a serious neck injury.

What causes a burner?

If you play football, you can get a burner when you tackle or block another player. One of three things happens:

Your shoulder is pushed down at the same time that your head is forced to the opposite side. This stretches nerves between your neck and shoulder.

Your head is quickly moved to one side. This pinches nerves on that side.

The area above your collarbone is hit directly. This bruises nerves.

How do I know if I have a burner?

You'll have a burning or stinging feeling between your neck and shoulder, and probably in your arm. Your shoulder and arm may feel numb, tingly or weak.

Your doctor will ask questions and examine you. Burners happen in only one arm at a time. If both of your arms or one arm and a leg are hurt, you may have a serious neck injury, not a burner. Your doctor will then protect your neck and get x-rays.

How are burners treated?

Burners get better on their own. You may need physical therapy to stretch and strengthen your muscles.

Some burners last a few minutes. Others take several days or weeks to heal. If your burner lasts more than a few weeks, you may have a test called an electromyogram (EMG). This test can show that you have a burner and give an idea about how long it will last.

When can I return to my sport?

You must have no pain, numbness or tingling. You must be able to move your neck in all directions. Your strength must be back to normal. You must be able to play your sport without problems from the injury.

Can I get another burner?

Yes, but daily stretching exercises can help prevent burners. Tilt your head up, down, left and right. Turn your head left and right to look over your shoulders. Hold each stretch for 20 seconds.

If you play football, wear extra neck protection.

An important point!

Don't just assume that you have a burner. You might have a serious neck injury. If you have burning, stinging, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, stop what you're doing. Slowly lie down on the ground and wait for a trainer or a doctor to examine you.

This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.

Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.

Copyright © 1999 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.

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