Hi FG,
I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and had to have surgery by a Thoracic Neurosurgeon, eons ago (32 years ago?). I have pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm and hand with my pinky and ring finger being numb most of the time.

I had a blue-ish color to my arm from lack of circulating blood at times when I woke from sleep. I also could not find my arm when I woke up in the morning. I had lost the sense of where it was in time and space.

I found it with my other arm and pulled it close to my body so I could get up and move and circulate the blood back into it. It was not a MS problem. I have 5 extra Cervical Ribs pressing on my Carotid Artery in my neck. First doctor said Cervical Spondylosis (narrowing of the neck opening) which I guess it was, in a way, but why?

I had pain in the arm (but was nerve root). The doctor x-rayed my shoulder which I thought how odd. Being very young, I assumed pain in the arm meant injury or sprain/strain from lifting, etc. They said extra ribs and I went off to PT. Well PT almost put my through the roof.

Frank and FG, I know what you meant because my EMG was awful, but necessary when nothing else worked or took away the pain and numbness. Everything increased the pain. No MRI's back then in the stone age.

FG, my leg one after that was worst. I don't know why, but I swear they jacked up the current on that one (other issue, not related). Cyst on spine.

First I said no surgery on the shoulder, but after trying everything..PT, meds and you name it, I agreed and had the surgery. They removed the 5 extra ribs, very visible on x-ray. They went in through my armpit region, so no scars are visible.

A few doctors said if I didn't have the surgery the compressed carotid artery would cause a stroke eventually. You only have two main arteries to get blood to your head and one of mine was compressed.

I healed well and I have had no problems since. The surgery was longer in those days, no lasers and less knowledge, but it was done in NYC by the top Thoracic Neurosurgeon. Would it have gotten better on it's own, I doubt it, but you never know. I have had no pain there now or numbness either.

I am not saying you have this problem, but it is a thought. They put both arms behind my back, out straight and pulled together and the pressure on the artery made me feel like passing out from lack of blood to the head and the pulse had diminished on the wrist.

They did the hands over the head too, I don't remember the feeling of that one or if the pulse changed. If I laid flat without a pillow I got dizzy, it pressed on the artery by position, like on a beach blanket, as a kid, it happened many times.

Something worth thinking about. There are many causes. This is just my experience. I know the pain you must be suffering. Best of luck to you.