Burners
Common Causes
Burners also know as "stingers," are almost always related to Football or other contact sports. The injury occurs during tackling or blocking when the neck is either pinched toward the side of injury or stretched to the opposite side.
Treatment
Typically as long as their is no other serious cervical spine injuries present the symptoms of burners subside spontaneouly and do not require further treatment.
Return to Action
Athletes may return to play under three conditions:
All symptoms have subsided
Athletes have painless and complete cervical range of motion
Athletes have full upper-extremity and shoulder girdle strength
Prevention of burners and stinger start in the offseason and continue year-round cervical and shoulder muscle strengthening. At Hollis Brookline we highly recommend our athletes complete the Iron Neck phases 2-3x a week year-round.