Hey, Ben

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I'm not familiar with all the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Although I've read some in that forum (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome forum) and wonder sometimes if that might be contributing to some of my own problems. They've got some real good documentation ('sticky notes') at the top of that forum. I know a lot of the people that post there. I'm sure if you wander over there and read a little and post a little, you'll get some help figuring out what's up and also some help with coping.

You might also want to pop over to the Spinal Disorders forum and introduce yourself. I have the symptoms down into my fingers (all of my fingers). Sometimes pain or numbness in your fingers follows along the dermatomes (the nerve paths) -- this might indicate a cervical problem.

I worked on computer help desks for years and years. Seems a lot of people who spend hours on the phone in front of computers end up with neck, wrist/hand, and upper back problems. The upper back tension is felt just above the bra line -- even though you probably don't have one of those , I'm sure you can visualize where that would be.

I'm just gonna make a comment here about workplace safety. I'm retired now. But, I can't tell you how many people I've seen that became badly/permanently injured because they felt that they "should" put up with bad working environments. I hope the situation that you work in has an ergonomically suitable desk and chair and computer placement. I also hope that you're using a headset instead of doing the leaning-to-the-shoulder thing with a regular phone handset.

Well, once again -- welcome!! Pull up a chair and stay for awhile. Don't forget to read the historical messages in the forums -- you might find just what you're looking for.

Good luck.

Barb