Region: Shoulder
A nerve stretch injury common in contact sports when the head is forced away from the shoulder.
What is a “Stinger” / Burner?
A nerve stretch injury common in contact sports when the head is forced away from the shoulder.
Symptoms
- Electric shock down arm
- Temporary numbness/tingling
- Burning/stinging
- Brief weakness
What does a “Stinger” / Burner feel like?
- Burning/electric sensation radiating down arm
- Often improves relatively quickly
What are common causes of a “Stinger” / Burner?
- Contact hit with neck/shoulder traction
Self check
- Did you get a hit and then feel burning/tingling shooting down one arm?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
- Remove from play until symptoms fully resolve
- rest and monitor
Red flags
- Symptoms lasting more than a few minutes or symptoms in both arms
Recovery tips
- Neck/shoulder strengthening and technique work reduce recurrence
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.