Quote:
Originally Posted by "P Shappy"
Hi there,
I am someone that has TOS as well as a cervical problem. It has taken me a long time to distinguish between the two in terms of what is causing my pain at the moment. For me, the two are connected.
If your doc is not amenable to investigating further I would try to see an ortho (thats who first dx my TOS) or a spine guy.
An MRI is great but sometimes when lying static they cannot see what goes wrong when you are moving.
Ask your doc or the new doc for a flexion extension x-ray of your cervical spine. That way they can see if there is a subluxation or bone spur that is pressing on any nerves.
Also ask for an EMG to see what nerves may possibly be affected.
Also ask you doc to do the test (I forgot the name) where they hold up your arm and take your pulse. If is disappears while up that could indicate TOS but it alone should not be the only test.
And last ask if you might do a physical therapy session with someone familar with TOS and neck issues.
Good luck.
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I believe that test is called
Allen Test check this website out.....
http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/thoracic_outlet
good info there
Other testing would be a Doppler ultrasound of your armpit area to see if your blood vessels are involved. If you have changing colours of your hands chances are there could be vascular involvement.
best of luck with your searching. It took me about 15 doctors till I got a neurologist who know what he was doing and understood all of my issues....a long 3 year battle...but it paid off. I got sent to a surgeon and had the treatment necessary for my TOS.
Always remember we are all totally different even though the same name is on the syndrome. We all suffer in different ways but usually in the same spots and usually with activity and things that trigger our pain!!!
Good luck!
hugs,
Victoria
