Brachial Plexus Injury (Stinger/Burner)

You can begin these exercises when moving your neck in all directions (up, down, right, left) does not cause numbness or tingling down your arm or into your hand.

• Neck isometric exercises
  1. Neck flexion: Sit tall, eyes straight ahead, and chin level. Place your palm against your forehead and gently push your forehead into your palm. Hold for 5 seconds and release. Do 3 sets of 5.
  2. Neck extension: Clasp your hands together and place them behind your head. Press the back of your head into your palm. Hold 5 seconds and release. Do 3 sets of 5.
  3. Neck side bend: Place the palm of your hand at the side of your temple and press your temple into the palm of your hand. Hold 5 seconds and release. Do 3 sets of 5 on each side.
• Head lifts
  1. Neck curl: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Tuck your chin and lift your head toward your chest, keeping your shoulders on the floor. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
  2. Neck side bend: Lie on your right side with your right arm laying straight out. Rest your head on your arm, then lift your head slowly toward your left shoulder. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Switch to your left side and repeat the exercise lifting your head toward your right shoulder.
  3. Hands and knees neck extension: Get on your hands and knees and look down at the floor. Keep your back straight and let your head slowly drop toward your chest. Then tuck your chin and lift your head up until your neck is level with your back. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
• Shoulder shrugs: Stand with your head directly over your shoulders, with your spine straight. Shrug your shoulders up and then relax. Do 3 sets of 10.
• Shoulder abduction and adduction: Stand with your arms at your sides. Bring your arms up, out to the side, and toward the ceiling. Hold for 5 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.