If you have a stinger, you know that it is painful. Dr. Michael Wilson of Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA offers many chiropractic treatments and will come up with a treatment plan to help you with your stinger pain.
What is a stinger?
A stinger, also known as a burner, is an injury to the brachial plexus, which is a nerve bundle. It is a neck injury that originates in the C-5 vertebrae and may also involve the T-1. If the nerve root is involved, it is more serious than just the stretch injury and involves a pinched nerve.
Symptoms of stingers?
The most recognizable symptom is the burning or stinging that radiates from the shoulders down the arms all the way to the hands. Heat may accompany the injury. It can feel like an electric shock or a bolt of lightning shooting down the arm and is very painful. This can also result in the loss of sensation in the arm or paralysis, which is usually short-lived.
What causes stingers?
Stingers are most commonly caused by contact sports such as football or wrestling. They are an injury usually caused by the head being pushed to one side and the opposite shoulder being pushed down. There is a stretching that causes the injury. Spinal stenosis can also cause stingers.
Treatment of stingers?
Immediately, after the injury, the area should be iced to reduce swelling and medication to reduce any resulting inflammation should be taken. Then an appointment with your chiropractor should be made to get holistic treatment. Having a chiropractor who treats sports injuries is helpful. An initial exam will be performed and a personalized treatment plan recommended.
When treating a stinger, spinal manipulation is a treatment that can provide relief. The contact injury may have caused a misalignment. With adjustment, the vertebrae can be realigned and that certainly can help with the pain. Before or after the adjustment, a therapeutic massage can help to relax the muscles and allow the treatment to provide the relief you need. The use of heat and therapeutic exercise to continue treatment at home is an option that may be recommended.
Contact Dr. Michael Wilson of Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA for diagnosis and treatment for your stinger. You can reach the office at 707-426-1111. You can also reach us through the contact form on the practice website.