Towelhorse
you are such a prolific writer...your piece gave me a lot of insight...I agree with you that NHS Doctors aren't diagnosing correctly (sorry bit of a sweeping statement). I too had to do my own research and become my own Specialist.

I was diagnosed with RSI 13 years ago - a compressed nerve in my spine, found by EMG tests done which found denervation and reinnervation in C7 root and mildly in C8.

I was then diagnosed with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia and basically told to learn to live with pain.

I undertook 2 years of Oesteopathy at the excellent European School of Oesteopathy in Maidstone - a teaching school so extremely cheap £5-10 visit. Then physio which helped but only 6 sessions allowed under NHS. Recently I have had Chiropractic treatment followed by more Oesteopathy.

I am still left with a right side which feels like I am unsticking sellotape on the inside, feel like my ribs are stuck. Its like I solidify if I don't keep moving and I have to "crack" myself to get my upper trunk in motion.

I can't fully lift my right arm without compensating with my ribs. I have been told by School Oesteo I have serratus anterior (problem?) and now I have internet - find this is linked with the long thoracic nerve which could explain the feeling of nerves rubbing like trying to light two sticks to make a fire! From this research it seems to be saying the major observation of Serratus Anterior probs is winging scapula (which I have). Would long thoracic nerve be same as thoracic outlet syndrome. If it is - the winging scapula would be your main giveaway. I can relate to heavy arms in early stages of RSI.

You mentioned about exercise with chinese ball inbetween shoulder blades - I use a wooden block in yoga and sit with it pressed on the wall....however...last time I did it I suffered with stiffness for next few days and I like the idea of something that can be altered to suit the person. Where can I get this? Everything in the public realm is made one size fits all - including chairs that are so big your feet can't find the ground.

It could be that you have cross-overs of syndromes, conditions, as I think you've said. You have asked a few points why...but don't want to lose this msg going back to them (new at this tech stuff ha!) but remember you said about sitting. We're told to sit straight but it doesn't work when your bodies out of balance and I think we sit instinctivity in a way to balance ourselves.

I think the main thing is follow yourself, your instincts, listen to your body.

I have tried this technique to help - use two hands. Cross arm in front of your body to opposite shoulder move fingers up halfway towards your ear. With other hand place it on same shoulder so that its like a cup handle.
Move fingers together and out again and together and out....gently stretching the skin and I imagine gently pulling nerve underneath.I found it amazing...and a few hours later I was just stretching out my arm in normal activity and I felt my nerve releasing (it actually felt like I'd been stabbed...I say that not to frighten you...but to illustrate the power of this stretch. From research it seems this is the area the thoracic nerve travels and it gets stuck on the sides of (things!?) and scapula. It is a very powerful release...I made it up myself so let me know if its any good.

From my research I have also learned I have Electrosensitivity which could have contributed to my RSI and I get tired if I am near too much electrical equipment. I am limited on computer, can't tolerate fluorescent lights, Mobiles completely wreck my head. It seems like damage to peripheral nerves could be linked with electrosensitity...that is my belief. It may explain your exhaustion - perhaps keep a diary of incidences of tiredness and note if you used the computer too much or lights or mobiles.

I hope that may have helped. I will come back to forum but need to limit my dose of electricity.
Be extremely interested to know if others with peripheral nerve injury, RSI have a sensitivity to electrical equipment.

Travel with Love
The Slug