Brachial Plexus Injury & Burners

Question 1

What are burners/stinger?

Answer 1

1. C5 & C6 nerve roots
   *typically due to traction/stretch injuries
   *head tilted towards contralateral shoulder
   *Or compression of upper plexus

Question 2

What is the difference between id the injury is preganglionic and postganglionic?

Answer 2

1. Pre (proximal to dorsal root in spinal foramen——- can’t fix)
2. Post (can fix)

Question 3

What are some of the symptoms?

Answer 3

1. Depends on the portion of the plexus
   *sharp pain
   *burning
   *radiation down arm
   *Weakness
   *last minutes or days to weeks

Question 4

If burners do not resolve what does that indicate>

Answer 4

1. Cervical stenosis

Question 5

What is the treatment?

Answer 5

1. Therapy
2. Splinting
3. Pain control
4. Surgical procedures if necessary

Question 6

What is important about athletes who have burners?

Answer 6

1. They MUST have complete resolution of symptoms and normal cervical/neck before returning to play
   *refer if injury is persistent, recurrent, bilateral or associated with other injuries