Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 1/3/2008

Question
I have been having a numbing sensation in my upper chest right underneath my collar bone for about 3 months now.  It comes and goes sometimes staying for up to 3 days.  It is worse in the morning and at night.  When I lay on my back it seems to be the worst.  I have been having mild chest pains on and off with it...nothing severe just noticeable.  Also my fingers and legs will go to sleep more than normal.  It is hard to describe.  At first I thought it might be a heart condition but it has stayed the same and has not really progressed so no I am thinking it might be a pinched nerve. Could this be a possibility?

Answer
It is quite possibly a pinched nerve, but, even though it stays consistent, have it checked by your family doctor to rule out a heart issue.  Other things also can cause pains like this...GERD, muscle sprains, side effects of meds., etc.  If everything checks out, find a good chiropractor to evaluate the condition and go from there.