Neck stingers are neck injuries that causeacute painfrom the skull’s base to the shoulder or along the neck.
The pain is burning, pinching, or shock-like and quite intense.
Numbness, burning, or weakness in the arm may also occur.
OJO_Images / Getty Images
While often startling, the pain of a neck stinger typically subsides within minutes or hours and resolves completely.
The medical term for a neck stinger is abrachial plexusinjury.
This article looks at the causes, treatment, and prevention of neck stringers, sometimes called neck burners.
This sharp pain is often accompanied by a decreased range of motion in the neck.
Some people might experience tingling, a sensation of numbness, and weakness in the area.
People often describe a sensation like a shock going down one arm.
This bundle of nerves runs from the back of the neck into the arm.
Neck burners and stingers are commonfootball injuries.
If pain, weakness, or loss of range of motion persists, seek out professional attention.
Most people recover from a stinger in a few days or weeks.
If you return too quickly, the risk of re-injury is high.
Summary
Neck stringers are a cause of acute pain in athletes and people who are in accidents.
Neck stringers can be painful, but they are usually short-lived.
Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and pain medication.
You may also want to try physical therapy.
Fortunately, most people recover from a neck stringer within a few days to weeks.
2020;13(6):651-662. doi:10.1007/s12178-020-09665-5
