Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 12/24/2008

Question
I wake up during the nighttime with excruciating pain in my right arm and hand. The pain starts at my shoulder and runs down my arm into my right middle finger. At first I attributed this pain to sleeping on my right side, but it still happens even when I sleep on my back. My family doctor put me on anti-inflamatories but it has not helped. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
It sounds as if there may be nerve impingement near the shoulder/neck, most likely from misalignment.  When you have this, the nerve can get "pinched", and cause the symptoms you describe.  I would suggest a good chiropractor to assess it, rule out any other problems that may be medically relevant, treat and rehab the injury.