not sure if these pictures are posted
 

But for new folks they are good shots of the anatomy of what is going on.
Di

The thoracic outlet is a tiny space behind the collar bone in front of the first rib, the major neurological and vascular bundles pass through here; if you have c-ribs, then that space is even more resticted. It is pressing on the nerves that travel to the fingers.
http://courses.washington.edu/hubio5...images/111.jpg
http://intraspec.ca/images/brachialp...iceRoberts.jpg
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upl...lex_how_to.pdf
http://www.drnathbrachialplexus.com/...gram_small.jpg
http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/i...lexusinn_f.jpg
http://intraspec.ca/images/brachialplexus.jpg
http://www.bartleby.com/107/Images/large/image808.gif
http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/i...bplexinn_b.jpg
http://www.dynomed.com/encyclopedia/...t_syndrome.jpg

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Causes Symptoms Treatment

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) results from a compression of the nerves that pass into the arms from the neck (brachial plexus). The corridor through the area between the neck and the armpit (thoracic outlet) is narrowed causing the compression. This compression causes pain in the shoulder, arm or hand or some combination of the three.

This condition is difficult to diagnose and many times, the doctor will need to rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis.

Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
In many cases, no specific cause of TOS is found. However, any other condition, which results in growth or movement of the tissues near the thoracic outlet, can cause the syndrome to form. Examples of other conditions includes:


Muscle enlargement
Injuries to the area
Extra rib from the neck at birth (cervical rib)
Large callus from a healed clavicle fracture in an adult
Tumors at the upper part of the lung
Poor posture, especially in women with large breasts

An injury to the thoracic area may cause scar tissue to develop during the healing process. This scar tissue may lead to a compression of the nerves and blood vessels. Repetitive activities can also cause compression, especially activities that put the arms overhead. Slouching and dropping the shoulders is thought to be a common cause. This movement leads to tension in the muscles at the side of the neck and can constrict the nerves and arteries of the thoracic outlet.

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of TOS are:


Neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain
Poor circulation to the extremities
Weakness, numbness and fatigue in the arm and hand

The symptoms of TOS can appear to be other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. Herniated disks in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis of the shoulder all have similar symptoms.

In order to correctly diagnose the condition, electrical tests of the nerves in the arm may be ordered by your doctor. These tests will attempt to determine where and how the nerves in your arm are being squeezed. There are other tests used to determine whether or not the blood vessels are also being squeezed. Your doctor may also perform an x-ray of your chest to determine if there is an extra cervical rib causing the symptoms.


http://intraspec.ca/tos.php#Definition

thanks
 

Hi Di,
Thanks for posting the pics. There were some on our other forum at msn site, but it is STILL down....not sure what those B.%#$^$* are doing....?????
anyhow thanks for re-educating or educating some of us!!
Knowlage is the path to self empowerment!!

love and hugs,
Victoria:wink:

Thanks these are awesome!!!:Good-Post:

:You-Rock:

awesome job of posting those!
it's great to see them like that.

off topic
 

Jo nice signature!! love it ! It sort of describes life for me right now!!:D
Victoria

ps....people always say oh you look great you can't possibly be in pain...hmmm:mad:

take care,
love and hugs,
Victoria

I looked thru many quotes and sayings sites before finding this one- it just felt right...
:grouphug:

Thanks Di...
 

Great Refresher Course...
:Thanx:

:Excited: Bumping up for the New Folks

thank you!
 

i needed to see these again - thanks!! :D

Bumping up for New TOS'ers and those of us who need refreshers..:p

Just visiting.
 

I just thought I would pay a visit to your forum, since I chat with you so often and so very pleasantly. Such fun to see two faces ! How pretty you are, DiMarie and Dawn - no pictures of Shelley or Jo55 - and that sweet baby must be your little daughter, Dabbo?
I was glad to find, on my first visit here, such a thorough explanation of TOS. Now I understand what your pain is about. Ouch!
See you in chat.
All the very best to all of you,

birte
BEMM from the PD forum.

BEMM,
So glad to see you stop by, I am so gald taht you stopped in our gang here. I hope to find PD also. I didn't see it in the drop down list so I have to check out PC I guess.

Learn more about your challanges,
Glad to have you a part of nightly Fireside chat.
Di

I copied the post with the pictures and illustrations into our sticky - so it's up there also- if anyone needs to find it at a later date.

you must have just missed the Parkinson forum - we have one.

Bump
 

Bump up for Kat 1 and other new folks for the anatomy of TOS.
di

BEEM-
thanks for dropping by...thta is my little girl. She's about 18mo old now, and growing quickly. I hope you are doing well!

Boo Hoo dabbo,
I bumped this post up from a year ago!
BEMM was on then , is it so long ago we all were chatting.
I miss it so much!
We have to do it again.
hugs to the little one, hope the sleeping is better by now.
chat soon,
Di

LOL Di.... I was at work when I posted that, and not really all there.... I TOTALLY forgot to look at the year on the post. :D I miss our chats too. I'll have to send some new pictures of Eva to you guys...
take care!

Big Question
 

Why do I hurt when I look at these pictures????? LOL

Dabbo - darling girl, and look how big she's getting!!! omg, it wasn't long ago she was a little thing...she's a doll.




Di - these pics are GREAT. I hadn't seen these, I think. I LOVE them.