Hi — thank you for explaining your symptoms so clearly. The pattern you’ve described — numbness and tingling in the ring and little finger with neck and shoulder pain — gives a very specific clue about what’s going on. Let’s break it down
Most likely cause: Ulnar nerve compression or Cervical nerve root irritation
Your ring and little fingers are supplied by the ulnar nerve, which passes through two critical areas:
1. At the elbow (Cubital Tunnel) – pressure here, especially when you sleep with your elbow bent, can cause the tingling and folding of those fingers.
2. At the neck (Cervical spine C8–T1 roots) – if there’s a cervical disc bulge or nerve irritation from posture or muscle tightness, it can radiate to your shoulder and arm, causing numbness and pain at night.
Both of these are very common, especially if you work on a computer, use your phone a lot, or sleep with your arms bent under your pillow.
Other possible (less likely) causes
Early cervical spondylosis or nerve impingement
Poor posture or prolonged sitting
Vitamin B12 deficiency (can worsen tingling)
Very rarely — peripheral neuropathy (in
diabetes or
thyroid issues)
What you can do now
Here’s a simple plan to start relieving your symptoms:
1. Posture correction:
Avoid bending elbows or keeping hands under pillow while sleeping.
Keep wrists straight and shoulders relaxed.
Try a thin pillow or orthopedic cervical pillow.
2. Warm compress:
Apply a warm pack to the neck and shoulder area for 15 minutes twice daily — this relaxes tight muscles pressing on nerves.
3. Medication (for short-term relief):
Tab. Neurobion Forte (B-complex with B12) — once daily after breakfast for 15 days.
Tab. Etoricoxib 60 mg (if pain is significant) — once daily after food for 3–5 days.
(Avoid painkillers if you have acidity or gastric issues.)
4. Neck stretching exercises:
Gentle chin-to-chest and side bending stretches twice daily (avoid jerky movements).
Maintain correct desk height if working on a computer.
5. Sleep habit:
Try to sleep on your back or opposite side of affected hand.
Avoid keeping elbows flexed >90°.
When to get checked in person
You should see a doctor if:
Numbness persists throughout the day (not just at night).
You notice weak grip strength or dropping objects.
Pain radiates down to the arm with electric-shock sensation.
In that case, a Cervical spine X-ray or MRI may be needed to rule out disc compression.
Reassurance
Don’t worry — this condition is completely reversible in most cases with correct posture, mild medicines, and physiotherapy. It’s not a serious nerve disease or paralysis. Once nerve compression is relieved, tingling and finger stiffness disappear within 1–2 weeks.
I can help you design a personalized recovery plan — including sleeping posture, physiotherapy stretches, and vitamin correction — after checking your daily routine and neck posture.
You can message me directly on WhatsApp at nine three two six zero two zero five three six — share your exact symptoms (side of hand affected, posture habits, and whether it’s your dominant hand). I’ll guide you step by step till your tingling and pain fully settle.