What's Happening
The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves that runs from your neck into your arm. A hit to the shoulder or head, or a forceful stretch between your neck and shoulder — common in contact sports — can compress or overstretch it, producing a sudden burning, stinging, or “electric” sensation down the arm, sometimes with brief weakness.
Common Symptoms
Burning, stinging, or electric sensation down one arm
Temporary weakness, usually in the shoulder or upper arm
Neck stiffness or discomfort
Symptoms often fade within minutes — but weakness can linger longer
How We Approach It
Stop the activity and get evaluated — especially before returning to contact.
Rest and monitor — the acute burning typically resolves quickly on its own.
Restore neck and shoulder strength — including the scapular and neck muscles that protect the plexus.
Return to contact gradually — only once strength and symptoms have fully resolved.
When It's More Than a One-Time Stinger
Worth flagging for further evaluation:
Symptoms lasting hours, days, or recurring across multiple episodes
Repeated stingers can signal narrowing around the spinal nerves and may need imaging
Protective equipment (like a higher shoulder pad or “cowboy collar”) can help prevent recurrence in contact sports
Bottom line: Most stingers resolve within minutes and don't come back. The key is not returning to contact until strength and symptoms are completely back to normal — and getting recurrent episodes checked further.