What Could Cause A Terrible Tickling Sensation And Pain In My Arms And Shoulders When I Lie Down?

Posted on Wed, 20 Sep 2023

Question: Hello, I’m 39 years young and I’m having a lot of trouble sleeping because of a terrible tickling/ pain in my arms and shoulders when I lay down to go to bed and sometimes it’s everywhere. It used to happen once every few months, then once or twice a month, then once/twice a week and now every day. It even flares up during the day and can come with violent twitching and spasms. When I get up and walk around or do physical activity, it gets much better. Sometimes I only sleep an hour or two because of it and it’s driving me mad. Tried Gabapentin to the XXXXXXX dose of 3000mg and no change. Tried Lyrica to the XXXXXXX dose of 300mg and no change. The only thing that seems to settle it down is either a shot of whiskey, but it comes right back in an hour or two, or pain medication.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI, NCS

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Such severe bilateral pain with parasthesia needs to be worked up. Indication for both MRI spine (cervical region specifically) and nerve conduction studies is present. Adding a benzodiazepine like bromazepam or a muscle relaxant like tizanidine can help along with NSAIDS such as naproxen and regular physiotherapy. Please consult your doctor regarding the above options to decide accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Wishing you best of health.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil
General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (40 hours later)

Currently taking Mobic for inflammation and joint pain. Taking cyclobenzaprine to help with sleep but doesn’t do much to relax my muscles. I’ve been battling a terrible ear infection that causes terrible muscle cramps and spasms when it gets really bad. When I go on antibiotics, it settles down quite a bit but comes right back when I finish them. I hear a whooshing sound in my ears sometimes and my balance is way off. I’ve had numerous X-rays and MRIs that show moderate to severe stenosis, several bulging discs and a herniated disc in my neck. Low back had a slipped disc that I can put back in when it goes out. I’m in terrible pain all the time. I’ve been going back and forth with my doctor on this for a few years. I also have hip dysplasia that gives me stabbing pains in the front when I walk or sit and sometimes the pain is unbearable if i stand too long. My knees hurt when I walk (more painful on the left) due to meniscus tears in both knees. Saw ortho specialist at UW and he said no to surgery because I’m too young.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (33 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

As far as the pain management is concerned the options described in the previous answer can be tried. Pregabalin or Gabapentin can be added to this regimen and can be continued as previously. Tramadol can be advised as add on based on the response. The decision whether to operate rests with your Orthopedic surgeon. If you aren't satisfied then you can take a second opinion from another Orthopedic surgeon. You can also discuss intra-articular steroid injection shots if the pain persists despite maximum treatment. NSAID induced ulcer prophylaxis should be given with chronic / long term NSAID use like Mobic (Meloxicam).

Please consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Hope I have answered your query. Wishing you the best of health.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil
General & Family Physician

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana