The fluid around all your cells is called lymph fluid. It moves waste products through various lymph channels and nodes which have two main outlets (thoracic ducts) on either side of your spine around the shoulder areas of your back. Pressure, stiffness, or pain building up in this region is a sign of lymphatic congestion.

Your lymph is more active at night while it orchestrates housecleaning. If it is already sluggish the thoracic ducts can swell in the shoulder area and apply pressure to nerves that can make an arm or hand fall asleep while you are sleeping. Some people notice this happening when they move their lymph during ...