Common spine & neck concerns we treat
- Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
- Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Sports injuries — acute or overuse
- Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
- Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve
Spine & Neck · Conditions A–Z
Burners & Stingers shoulder-and-arm zap
A burner or stinger is a temporary nerve injury in the neck or shoulder — common in football tackles — that produces a sudden burning or electric sensation down the arm. Same-day or next-day evaluations across eight LA-area offices.
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Surgical and non-surgical options at LAOSS.
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What sets LAOSS apart
- Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices
- On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
- Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
- Board-certified specialists, not generalists
Key takeaways
- Burners & Stingers are among the many spine & neck conditions our specialists evaluate every day.
- Most burners and stingers resolve on their own within minutes to days — treatment is rest, neck and shoulder strengthening, and a safe return-to-play plan.
- Recurrent stingers, both-arm symptoms, or persistent weakness warrant imaging to rule out cervical stenosis before returning to contact sports.
- On-site imaging at most offices and same-day appointments across eight Los Angeles–area locations.
Overview
What is burners & stingers?
A burner or stinger is a temporary nerve injury in the neck or shoulder — common in football tackles — that produces a sudden burning or electric sensation down the arm. Symptoms can develop gradually or after a specific injury, so early evaluation matters when function starts to decline.
Most burners and stingers resolve on their own — symptoms typically fade within minutes to days. Treatment is rest from contact, restoring full neck and shoulder motion and strength, and a structured return to play once symptoms have completely cleared; surgery and injections are not treatments for a stinger. What does need attention: recurrent stingers, symptoms in both arms, or weakness that persists — these warrant imaging to rule out cervical stenosis or nerve-root compression before returning to contact sports.
Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, the symptoms and causes we most often see, how we diagnose burners & stingers, and the full range of treatment options — from the simplest to the most involved.
Patient education
Watch: Burners and Stingers
These are warm or painful sensations caused by an injury to the brachial plexus. This is a network of nerves that passes through your shoulder. They travel down your arm and to your hand.
Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomy of the spine — cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae with the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Anatomy
Inside the spine & neck.
The spine has 33 vertebrae stacked in five regions — cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Between each vertebra sits a disc that cushions and allows motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots run through the canal, so when a disc bulges, a joint enlarges, or a vertebra slips, pain can radiate into the arms or legs.
Self-orient
When burners & stingers shows up.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Sudden burning or electric pain down the arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm and hand
- Arm weakness lasting seconds to minutes
- Usually resolves quickly
Causes
Common causes
- Football or rugby tackles with the head pushed to one side
- Wrestling or contact-sport collision
- Sudden traction injury to the neck and shoulder
- Cervical disc or stenosis in older athletes
Diagnostics
How we diagnose burners & stingers
You want answers, fast — and we're built to give them. Most patients leave their first LAOSS visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan, not another referral chain.
Here's what your initial visit for burners & stingers typically looks like:
- Detailed history — when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you've already tried
- Focused exam of the spine & neck — range of motion, stability, strength, specific provocation tests
- On-site imaging at most offices: X-ray for bone, ultrasound or MRI when soft-tissue detail is needed
- A written plan for recovery, strengthening, and a safe return to play, in plain English
Schedule your evaluation with a trusted Greater Los Angeles orthopedic expert today.
Treatment options
How we treat burners & stingers at LAOSS
Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, the next step is matching the right treatment to your situation. We start with the least-invasive option that fits — and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Standard stinger care
Almost every burner or stinger is treated without procedures of any kind.
- Immediate removal from play until symptoms fully resolve
- Rest from contact, then progressive neck and shoulder strengthening
- Physical therapy to restore full motion and strength
- Equipment and tackling-technique review for athletes
- Return to play only with full, symptom-free strength and motion
Surgical care
When neededWhen more work-up is needed
Red flags change the plan — recurrent or persistent symptoms need imaging before any return to contact.
- MRI for recurrent stingers, both-arm symptoms, or persistent weakness
- Evaluation for cervical stenosis or disc herniation
- EMG / nerve studies when weakness lasts beyond a few weeks
- Spine-surgeon referral only if a structural problem is found
Surgeon expertise
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Spine & neck care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our spine & neck specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Candidacy
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a spine & neck specialist is the next step.
You may be
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a spine & neck specialist.
- Pain or stiffness in the spine & neck that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history — onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Recovery
Your spine & neck recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
01Days 0–14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the spine & neck, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
02Weeks 2–8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the spine & neck.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
03Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific
Spine & neck-specific considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the spine & neck. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Your care team
Meet our spine & neck doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area
At LAOSS, our spine & neck specialists combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Los Angeles, our team is dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love.
Specialists
Meet your spine & neck specialists.
4 providers
About this care
Reliable Burners & Stingers pain relief starts here
Don't let burners & stingers be something you just power through. At LAOSS, expert care is close to home. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Our team offers comprehensive treatment from diagnosis through recovery. Whether you need reassurance and a return-to-play plan, structured strengthening, or work-up for recurrent symptoms, you'll receive coordinated, personalized care every step of the way.
Call or schedule online today to begin your recovery with a trusted spine & neck specialist in Los Angeles. Relief, confidence, and renewed strength are within reach.
FAQ
Common burners & stingers questions
- We start with a focused orthopedic exam and detailed history. X-rays are usually done in-office; MRI or ultrasound is ordered when soft-tissue detail is needed. Most patients leave the first visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan.
- No — a stinger itself is never treated with surgery. It is a temporary stretch or compression of the nerves, and recovery is about rest, strengthening, and a safe return to play. Imaging and a spine consultation come into play only when stingers keep recurring, affect both arms, or weakness persists — signs that something structural, like cervical stenosis or a disc herniation, may be underneath.
- If spine & neck pain lasts more than a few days, limits movement, or interferes with daily activities, it's time to see a doctor. Sudden injuries, swelling, or weakness should be evaluated right away.
- If you have a PPO plan, no referral is needed — book directly with any of our specialists. HMO plans require a referral from your PCP. If you are unsure, call us at (323) 264-7600 and our team will walk you through it.
Ready when you are
Don't wait on pain.
Book a visit with a spine & neck specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles–area offices.
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Greater Los Angeles
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