thorasic outlet syndrome

Neenie · Newbie Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

I was finally diagnosed with TOS w/a comprehensive MRI, by a doctor and creator of the MRI this year. I have two worker compensation cases and I have a wonderful attorney working w/me on this. I have spent the last four years in severe pain and have tried all the conventional ways to improve the pain. However, I would like to say that since I started seeing a pain management doctor and taking fentanyl patches, my arm and shoulder do not feel like its going to fall off. However, I still can't open a bag of chips quite well since I have lost so much strength. So, I do recommend a pain management doctor because its making a world of difference for me.

Guest · Guest

37 yr old female. I have been experiencing pain in my right arm for about 8 years. I have had two surgeries at c5-6. one in 2005 and recently 7-2007, with no relief. The last surgeon prescribed PT. on the first day of treatment the PT noticed the drop of the shoulder and the winging of the scapula, and immediately tested for TOS. The test was pos. i went to PT for a month 3x a week. with each visit it increasingly hurt worse. i called my dr. office and left msg r/t what the PT said about TOS,and the increased pain. finally the pain was so intense my husband made me move up the post op visit with the doctor. When i gave the doctor a list of recurring symtoms and asked him if this TOS could be causing all this pain. He totally dismissed it. He wrote me a rx for an NSAID. i have to admit it feels better, but it is only masking the symptoms b/c my hand still turns blue and goes numb etc.... I've been to three surgeons and not one of them has yet to perform a physical exam. So, I'm at a loss. I have not returned to work yet. I'm afraid, that im going to be on pain pills, muscle relaxants and newly acquired NSAIDS, for the rest of my life. Could use some advise. sincerely teresa , texas

hollys_critters · Newbie Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 1

My question to all of you with these symptoms of TOS is are you large chested? I have all the same symptoms you do and I am a small person wearing a size D cup bra. I have heard that too large of breasts can lead to TOS. I have heard that a breast reduction surgery will relieve TOS. Is this a fact, or a myth. I would reduce if I could get a doctor to agree that is why I have theses symptoms. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
thanks

Guest · Guest

This is all very fascinating to me. I live in Canada and was diagnosed with TOS just recently after being injured at work. TOS is in simple form the compressing of nerves, etc which travel through the thoracic bone which runs along the shoulder. From what my dr.'s here in canada tell me there is no cure for TOS, surgery can lessen the symptons for some but in many cases it comes back. I have been in physiotherapy for 2 yrs, trying to strengthen my muscles and correct posture which can led to the irritation of the condition and have seen many of the best dr.'s and had every sort of test done. But the truth of the matter seems to be that any action above the shoulder or resualting in an unnatural arm position or stretching of the shoulder will bring on numbness in the hand, arm and affect the neck area. I am very surprised to hear the stories of ribs being removed etc., this has never been presented to me as an option nor do I believe I would take it as the problem lies with the thoracic bone, which cannot be removed. Though I see how the first rib provides pressure, I would urge all to get very thorough diagnosis and explanations from your doctors before taking any serious treatment steps. My doctor has shown me pictures, medical journals and given me copies of all my test resaults, you have every right to be extremely involved in your rehabiltation. Ask your doctors about accupressure, because I was injured at work compensation paid for my machine, I use it to ease the symptons at home or at work. This condition saddens me as I have children and it is hard to accept that you may never do the things you used to do so well, though I will prob never accept this to be true myself, I feel better knowing I am not alone, though I also wish none of us this pai.

mommalaud · Newbie Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 1

I also have been diagnosed with TOS i have extra cervical rib on both sides of my neck. They want to do surgery to remove these extra cervical ribs. I really don't want to have the surgery done. Concerned with what quality of life or deficiencies i will have afterward. They want to go in thru my armpit. Pain is getting quite bad. Already did PT. which did help much. Seems like pain is off and on for a while. This time pain is lasting a little longer and aching where it did not ache before and also having terrible headaches. Wanting feed back from those that have had the surgery and what it was like. Please email me at mommalaud@insightbb.com thanks

moltra · Newbie Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 1

My Thorasic OUtler Syndrome started while I was in the US Navy. At 1st it was neck pain that bothered me all the time. Since then it has been determined by the Veterans Administration Hospital that I have TOS, I have had partial rib restructure (1st rib removed) on both sides. I also had extra cervical rib on both sides of neck.

My right side surgery was done about 5 years ago and there is a huge imporovement of the feeling in the arm. I am starting to get the weakness in the arm again.

My left side surgery was about 3 years ago and it did not help that much, My arm feels like it is on fire most of the time and recently, I have started feeling like there is a knife being pushed into my left bicep.

For the past 3 months my neck has been bothering me more and more, it seems like it is a circle problem. My arm hurts then my shoulders hurt and then my neck hurts and my arm hurts even more and keeps going like this.

The best thing that I have used is a Hot Bath. I get the water as hot as I can stand it and lay there with my shoulders covered the best I can in my bath tub. My wife will come to check on me, because I will lay there for an hour after the bath, just because there is no pain and I am afraid to move.

I used a TENS unit for a while and it helped, but I think that I used it to long and my skin is now sensitive to it.

I went to wash my Ford Ranger today and my arms are killing from just doing that. I feel them getting weaker and weaker.

If anyone has any questions or comments feel free to respond.

draco · Newbie Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Posts: 1

I've been studying massage in Ithaca NY for the past few months and TOS is something they have mentioned a few times. As an earlier post said it is when a nerve is being compressed. I'm not 100% certain I am remembering all of this correctly from class but I believe they said that the Scalene muscles in the neck and a few other ones can become tight and irritate the Brachial Plexus, which is a bundle of nerves that exits your spinal column in the neck. In this case of TOS a good Massage Therapist can do wonders to relax the muscles which are irritating the nerves.

A lot of the cases I've read here seem to be a bit more severe but there is always a chance a good Massage Therapist could help. Many of the teaches (who also have their own massage practices) have told multiple stories of saving people from surgeries and chronic pain with only a few sessions.

I wish you all good luck and the best of health

thorasic outlet syndrome

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