Football is a physically demanding sport, and tackling is one of its most intense movements. While players often worry about concussions, shoulder injuries, and muscle strains, another common football injury is something called a stinger, also known as a burner.
What Is a Stinger?
A stinger is a temporary injury involving the nerves that travel from the neck into the shoulder and arm. These nerves, known as the brachial plexus, help control movement and sensation in the upper extremities.
During a football tackle, a sudden impact can stretch or compress these nerves, causing a sharp, burning, or electric shock-like sensation that travels from the neck or shoulder down one arm. Some athletes also experience numbness, tingling, or temporary muscle weakness.
How Does Tackling Cause Stingers?
Stingers commonly occur when a player’s head is forced to one side while the opposite shoulder is pushed downward, stretching the nerves between them. A direct blow to the shoulder or compression of nerves in the neck can also cause this injury.
Although symptoms sometimes disappear within seconds or minutes, repeated stingers can indicate an underlying problem involving the cervical spine, nerve compression, or neck mobility.
Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Chiropractic care may play a role in evaluating and managing certain musculoskeletal issues associated with neck and shoulder injuries. A chiropractor can assess cervical spine mobility, muscle tension, posture, and joint function to help identify potential contributing factors.
Depending on the injury, treatment may include gentle manual therapies, mobility exercises, and recommendations for improving neck strength and flexibility. However, suspected nerve injuries require appropriate medical evaluation, and spinal manipulation is not suitable for every injury.
Athletes experiencing a stinger should stop playing and receive medical clearance before returning to the field. Persistent weakness, recurring symptoms, or symptoms affecting both arms require particular attention.
Protect Your Neck and Stay in the Game
Proper tackling techniques, neck strengthening exercises, and appropriate protective equipment can help reduce the risk of football-related neck and shoulder injuries.
If you’re experiencing recurring neck pain, shoulder discomfort, or restricted movement, Atlantic Chiropractic can help evaluate your musculoskeletal health and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your needs.