Anyone who experiences significant trauma to his or her head or neck needs immediate medical evaluation for the possibility of a spinal injury.
Repeated nerve trauma can cause recurring stingers, chronic pain, and muscle weakness, while recovery can take weeks to months in severe cases.
This person will assess the athlete's pain, range of head and neck motion, arm numbness, and muscle strength.
[2] If they have not after two weeks, or increase, additional tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed to detect a more serious injury, such as a herniated disc.
If a stinger occurs, the athletes usually return to play after they restore full strength, are asymptomatic where no pain persists, and painless range of motion in the cervical spine.
[9] If one is returning from play to contact sports it is important to adopt a strict exercise regimen of the neck muscles so the player has the ability to handle the trauma associated with tackles.
[11] Flexibility and strength of the neck, shoulder, and upper extremity are essential because stiffness and weakness are predisposing factors for a burner as well as consequences of this injury.
Factors that could help in the prevention of stingers could include strengthening the muscles, increasing the range of motion, and improving technique when playing.
Regardless of equipment, it is important to report even minor symptoms to an athletic trainer or team physician, and to allow appropriate recovery time.
[citation needed] Stingers commonly occur in contact sports like wrestling, hockey, basketball, boxing, rugby, weightlifting, and, most notably, football.
[15] In 1976 most major American football leagues banned the technique of spearing in the sport due to the risk of injury.