Neck & Head
Stinger / Burner
Also called: Burning arm after a hit or fall
A lightning bolt of burning pain and tingling shooting down one arm after a collision, tackle, or fall — the signature nerve injury of football, wrestling, and hard falls. The nerve bundle between neck and shoulder gets stretched or compressed for a moment. Most stingers resolve in minutes and fully recover — but the return-to-play rules exist because the repeat ones and the ones that don't fade quickly mean something more.
Common signs
- Sudden burning, electric pain from neck/shoulder down one arm at the moment of impact
- Tingling or numbness in the arm, sometimes brief weakness
- Symptoms in ONE arm (this matters — see the next section)
- Typically fading within seconds to minutes
Seek help now if
- Symptoms in BOTH arms or any leg symptoms after a hit — that's a spinal cord concern: do not move, activate emergency care
- Neck pain with the event, weakness that persists, or symptoms lasting beyond 24 hours — examination before any return to play
- A second stinger in the same season — full evaluation, not just a shrug
- Loss of consciousness or concussion signs with the hit (assess both)
If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.
What to do first
- Out of play immediately, sideline assessment: neck exam, strength testing of the arm, symptom check — return only when symptoms are fully gone AND strength is full
- Persistent or repeat stingers: proper examination of the neck and nerve pathways before resuming contact
- Begin the protective work: neck strengthening and shoulder-pad/technique review are the proven risk reducers
The longer road
- Recurrent stingers demand a deeper look — imaging for a narrowed nerve canal or disc contribution, because repeated episodes can compound
- A structured neck and trap strengthening program measurably reduces recurrence in collision athletes
- Tackling technique (eyes up, never spear) is protective equipment you carry in your habits
Natural healing options we use
- Chiropractic and manual care for cervical and first-rib mechanics after clearance
- Progressive neck and scapular strengthening program
- Nerve-glide work during recovery
- Attended e-stim for the recovering pathway; B-vitamin and omega-3 nerve support
About imaging
Not needed for a single classic stinger that clears fast; MRI and electrodiagnostics enter for bilateral symptoms, persistence, or recurrence.
Daily self-care
- Full honesty with symptoms — playing through a stinger risks the season, not just the play
- Year-round neck strength work for collision athletes
- Report every recurrence; the count changes the plan