Liz4,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. It sounds like your BF may have a problem with his neck or upper back. Inflammation can cause decreased blood flow to the spinal cord causing the numbness. He can/should try icing his neck for 15 minutes on 30 minutes off anytime he can.

You can make a soft ice bag by adding rubbing alcohol to water and freezing it. Use 1 part rubbing alcohol to 3 parts water. A large freezer rated zip lock plastic bags works great. Make a few so there is always one frozen.

If it helps, it means he has a neck injury. Try icing any locations that have any tenderness to finger pressure. It will take some continuous effort with the icing to see any long term results.

A bit of manipulative therapy (chiro or PT) may help. Any chiro work should go gentle and slowly.

My best to you both.