A football stinger, also known as a burner, is a common nerve injury of the neck and shoulder seen in contact sports, especially football. It occurs when the tackler gets their shoulder forced one way while their head and neck go the other way, stretching the nerve bundle known as the brachial plexus, which runs from the neck into the shoulder and down the arm, briefly stunning the nerves. The symptoms of a stinger include numbness and tingling in the arm, a stinging or burning pain that spreads from the shoulder to the hand, and sensations of tingling and/or weakness in the arm and hand. These symptoms can last for 10 seconds or less, but sometimes continue for hours or even days.

Stingers are usually temporary and symptoms quickly go away. However, they can also be signs of a more serious injury, so it is important to know when to see a doctor. If the numbness and tingling in the arm is completely gone, there is full motion in the neck, shoulder, and arm, and full strength in the neck and shoulder, then it is usually safe to return to play. If an athlete has had recurrent stingers, their doctor may recommend a special neck roll or elevated shoulder pads to wear during sports activities.