Burners and Stingers

A stinger or burner is a non-medical term that describes an injury where direct-force trauma to the neck causes a pinch to the brachial plexus nerve bundle that leaves the sufferer’s arm numb or weak. Most frequently seen in football, hockey and sports where players lead with the head and neck, brachial plexus stingers are often a scary experience but will usually resolve themselves in a matter of minutes. For some people however, actual damage has been done to the nerve and a more considered approach should be taken for treatment. At Family Chiropractic & Spinal Health Care Center, we have experience treating brachial plexus injuries.

The nerve bundle that facilitates communication from the brain through the arm to the hand is called the brachial plexus. These nerves diverge from the spinal cord between the C5 and T1 vertebrae, meaning any direct trauma to these vertebrae can interfere with their functioning. Because of the nature of a nerve injury, brachial plexus stingers often involve transient paralysis and paresthesis or loss of sensation to the entire arm. If full feeling does not return to the arm a few minutes after the trauma, it is worth seeking the opinion of a specialist.

If your pain or neurological deficiency remains in the wake of a brachial plexus stinger, call our offices in New Jersey to schedule an assessment. There is often a misalignment of the spine between C5 and T1, impinging on nerves that could be creating your numbness or weakness. We focus on releasing trigger points in the cervical region and correcting misalignments that could be impinging on your nerves.

We can be reached in Ramsey at (201) 995-9900 and in Passaic at (973) 471-9585.

Dr. Moe Abtahi, D.C.