A stinger, also known as a burner, is an acute injury that occurs when there is compression or over-stretching of the nerves due to an impact. This injury occurs in the group of nerves known as the brachial plexus. Stingers are a neck injury that originates in the C-5 vertebrae of the cervical spine, though it may also continue through the T-1 vertebrae of the thoracic spine. Stingers can range from a stretch injury to a pinched nerve. If you have experienced a stinger, Dr. Michael Wilson at Kosak Chiropractic Auto Accident & Pain Clinic in Fairfield, CA, has vast experience treating stingers and other related injuries.
Stingers are frequently caused by high-impact contact sports such as wrestling, football, or skiing. When an individual is involved in an incident where the head is pushed to one side while the opposite shoulder is pushed down, this hyper-stretch can cause injury. Individuals with spinal stenosis are also at risk of stingers. Stingers feel like a “burning” or “stinging” pain that can radiate from the base of the skill to the shoulder, continuing to the hand. Some individuals describe the pain as a “lightning bolt” or electric shock. A brachial plexus stinger can also result in a loss of sensation (paresthesia) and weakness down the entire arm and into the hand and fingers.
How Can Chiropractic Care Treat Stingers?
Chiropractic care provides holistic treatment modalities for stingers that can reduce or alleviate the need for potentially addictive prescription pain medication. Chiropractors frequently recommend joint manipulation (also known as chiropractic adjustments) as the first line of treatment for stingers. Spinal manipulation involves manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine to help realign the spine into its natural position, which can help alleviate pain related to stingers. Dr. Wilson may also recommend therapeutic massage to help relax the muscles, heat therapy, and an individualized therapeutic exercise program to help stretch the affected muscles. For individuals who have experienced stingers, it is essential to immediately ice the affected area to help reduce swelling.
If you have experienced a stinger or other injury to the musculoskeletal system in Fairfield, CA, it is essential to see a qualified chiropractor as soon as possible. Left untreated, stingers can worsen over time and become chronic. Kosak Chiropractic is a state-of-the-art facility in Fairfield that provides the community with first-class, high-quality chiropractic care. Dr. Wilson uses a “whole person approach” to develop a tailored treatment plan that optimizes effective healing for his patients. Make an appointment today to receive holistic treatment for pain relief! Please call (707) 426-1111