When can a player return to play after suffering a stinger injury?

National Athletic Trainers' Association

A player must be symptom-free before returning to play after a stinger injury. All sensations of pain, burning, stinging, tingling, and numbness must be gone, and the player must have full strength on both sides of his body.

(This answer provided for NATA by the University of Alabama Athletic Training Education Program.)

Continue Learning about Neck Injury

National Athletic Trainers' Association

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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National Athletic Trainers' Association

Common symptoms of a stinger include burning, numbness, tingling, loss of the sense of touch, an...

National Athletic Trainers' Association

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Neck Injury

Whiplash is one type of neck injury. Any type of injury to the neck that causes pain, swelling, a lump in the neck or inflammation can be considered a neck injury. Falls, car crashes and sports mishaps are common causes of these injuries. With whiplash, the cervical vertebrae in the neck become strained or sprained because the neck suddenly extended and flexed after a rapid acceleration or deceleration. Symptoms include neck stiffness and pain, dizziness and headache. Treatment might include a mix of immobilizing the neck in a cervical collar, taking pain-relief medication and anti-inflammatory drugs, and undergoing physical therapy.

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