Jeremy Thompson released from the hospital

Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson has been released from the hospital after suffering a stinger in practice on Friday.  Thompson suffered the injury trying to tackle running back Kregg Lumpkin.  The 2nd year linebacker missed time in a 2008 game against the Colts and was hampered in training camp with the same injury.  He has established a track record of suffering, neck-shoulder stingers.  The Packers medical team needs to figure out what’s causing this problem.  The burning sensation from a stinger is thought to be from a pinching of the nerve root where it comes out of the spinal column of the neck.

The area between the bones of the spine where the nerve comes out is called the foramen.   Athletes with a small foramen have a condition called stenosis.  Players that suffer burners/stingers are recommended to wear special equipment including a neck roll that goes over the shoulder pads or protective pieces under the pads.  The lifter is worn under the pads and gives the player more space between the pads and his body.  The cowboy collar is worn under the pad with a wrap that goes up around the neck. 

Thompson’s status for the rest of the season is yet to be determined.  He’s expected to make a full recovery, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable having him out there for a while.  I have no knowledge of what type of shoulder pads or preventative equipment Thompson is already using.  If the medical staff can’t find a way to stop the problem, then maybe he should do on the IR for the rest of the season.  He has a history of getting burners/stingers and may be best served to take some time off.

Tags: Jeremy Thompson, neck stingers, Packers, shoulder burners