What Are Burners and Why Should Athletes Care?
Published: Sep 16, 2023
Burners, also known as stingers, are nerve injuries that affect athletes, especially in contact sports. Understanding this condition is crucial for athletes to prevent long-term consequences and ensure a safe return to sport.
Contents
Understanding Burners
Burners occur when there's trauma to the neck and shoulder, leading to temporary nerve injury. This usually affects the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, which is a network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm, and hand. Imagine it like a sudden electric shock or burning pain radiating down your arm after a big hit during a game.
How Common Are They?
Burners are frequent among athletes in contact sports like football and rugby. Surveys have shown a significant percentage of players experience at least one burner during their athletic careers, but many do not report it. This underreporting makes it challenging to understand the true prevalence.
What Happens If You Ignore a Burner?
Ignoring burners can lead to recurrent injuries and potentially chronic symptoms that affect athletic performance. Although rare, repeated burners could result in permanent nerve damage, making it essential to address them promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's caused by trauma to the neck and shoulder, affecting the brachial plexus nerves.
It feels like a burning pain or electric shock down the arm.
They can be if ignored, as they may lead to chronic symptoms.
No, they also happen in rugby, wrestling, and other contact sports.
Key Takeaways
Athletes must take burners seriously to avoid long-term consequences.
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References
Hershman EB. Injuries to the brachial plexus. In: Athletic Injuries to the Head, Neck, and Face, 2nd ed, Torg JS (Ed), Mosby-Year Book, St. Louis, MO 1991.
Robertson WC Jr, Eichman PL, Clancy WG. Upper trunk brachial plexopathy in football players. JAMA 1979; 241:1480.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.