Return to overhead with exertion occupation?
 

Are TOS patients able to return to a physical job requiring frequent overhead with exertion functions? When I refrain from using my right arm for daily functions, my symptoms lessen. At that point, I feel lazy and ridiculous for not preparing meals for my family or working part-time job as an xray tech in a busy hospital. I sometimes doubt my symptoms. So, then, of course, I resume using my right arm for cooking, driving, cleaning or laundry. I might be able to get through a few hours of normal activity with just some minor shoulder tightness. By the afternoon, I have neck spasms, forearm pain, finger tingling and mid back and upper back spasm. The daily activities that bring on these symptoms require little exertion or overhead work as compared to the functions of my job. I am still waiting patiently for more approvals from the workers comp system. I have been out of work since late August 2013 and have yet to get a formal diagnosis.
Do you have constant severe pain, or mild almost unnoticeable pain until you raise and use your arms? Very unpracticle to not be able to use my arm elevated.

Radtech,

I share exactly the same anxities as you. I am constantly worrying I will never be able to work again. Some days I feel a little better and I do more around the house and I get confident. Then the next day it hits me like a brick in the head. I am considering going back part time too but I'm scared I won't last more than 2 days on the computer. I do use my computer at home too obviously, but never for 4 hours straight.

Yesterday I did some trigger point massage and I flared myself up so badly I had to take Vicodin to sleep.

Sorry for hijacking your post, I just wanted to let you know you are not the only one with these anxieties.:hug:

I also work with extended arms and repetitive motions.I draw all day at a drafting table and use the computer. I have not worked in 2.5 years. I had the same symptoms as you at first, I couldnt even lift a teapot. I am much better now-having done alot of pt, trp injections, yoga etc. I still get flare ups once or twice a week, but am still concerned about going back to work. I am going to try next year though. Luckily I freelance so I can try it without commiting to a long term thing. I have other major health issues too which has become more of a priority but I am going to get back into pt and strenthging( w/o flare-ups) which I think is key after the first of the year.

Hey guys,

using computer is one on the worse thing to do. Like Gabriellelea wrote on another post ( I also really think that the more we use computers and other gadgets, we are going to see an increase in these problems. The brain switches on these spasms, so we have to find a way to get the brain to switch them off. ) My RPG told me to use my computer 10 or 15 minutes here and there and more importantly you have to be with the perfect arm position. Getting better with my RPG and hoping it`s gonna keep going in that direction.

Alexis

Well,
I haven't even gotten the official diagnosis yet, so off course no treatment except chiropractic. Workmans Comp/red tape causing delays. I worry that by the time I get into any other form of treatment and rehabilitation, I will have been let go from my job. So even if and when I recover, there are very few xray tech jobs available.

Yes, very difficult to avoid the computer when your job is all computer. I think I'm going to become a nanny, that doesn't require computing.
:D

In my opinion you would would have much result if you go see a RPG instead a chiropractor. Just my personal experience and my opinion.

Alexis

I'm not sure how to find one because I don't know what the profession is called.

global posture reeducation.


Alexis

TOS and returning to work
 

I think the answer depends on the severity of the TOS.
I had to medically retire from my job as a flight attendant. My doctor decided I would never be able to return to work. I am currently social security disabled. I have the same issue as you have. I do have chronic pain that is getting better. I had surgery for TOS two years ago. I am at the point if I don't use my left arm, I feel fine. If I raise my arm- trying to hang up clothes or pick anything up I have muscle spasms and pain by the afternoon. It is painful opening and closing the dishwasher. If I want to be pain free I must not use my arm. It is difficult having a life.

I tell you guys, try the global posture reeducation if you Able to find one not too far from your place. I am in Montreal Canada and fortunately we have a few of these around the area here but unfortunately there's not much in United States. GPR where develop in France a few years ago and I believe that's why we have lots of these here in Quebec, (French Canadian province). On my opinion it's the first thing to do when you are the diagnosed with TOS. I tried Chiropractor, PT and I had a rib recession as well. The GPR ( Global posture reeducation ) is the the only treatment who make a difference and lots of people said the same. You should really think about it.

Alexis

I can't find one in my area, I will ask my PT is she knows about this.

I can't believe there is not more than that in the United States. I know hockey is not popular at all in Arizona (-; but lots of superstar players I've been treat with that technique.

Alexis Sauve

I dont know if i can post link and sorry if i cant but you should reed from patien history on page 2. Similar to a TOS diagnostic.

http://gimle.fsm.it/31/4/03.pdf

I did a quick internet search and could find no listing for a global posture reeducation therapist in or near R. I. I did a New England search and did not find any either. The closest that I have seen is in New York.

Some physical therapy listings mention posture reeducation, but not specifically the souchard method.

That's too bad. I'm going to do some research tomorrow to see if I can find what kind of reeducation posture I have to practice. What i really like for the Posture reeducation is there is no stretching, or pretty much which it was the worst thing to do for me. The breeding is really important, its pretty hard to do but that's one of the most important parts to do. Ask the physical therapy listings mention posture reeducation you was talking about to see if the do neck stretching, if you on my opinion you should stay away. Go take a look here, you can see some example of the exercises i am doing but it's hard to explain the breathing method. https://www.google.ca/search?q=r%C3%...obale&tbm=isch

Alexis

Thats one good thing to practice 3 minutes twice a day. Put your back against the wall and try to do what you can see in the picture. Obviously the right posture is on the right side. https://www.google.ca/search?q=r%C3%...ml%3B375%3B319

Here is article about breathing: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18200368

Alexis,
Did you say that I should avoid neck stretches?

Alexis,
Did you say that you find it best to avoid neck stretches? Early on with the chiropractor, he empathicaly said "do not do any neck stretches". I thought it was odd, in the past that is the first thing I have been told to do for neck spasms.

Depends for who. For some people it works great but for some other like me it's worst. I think it depends at what TOS stage you are.

Alexis

I have had TOS for ten years. I just applied for Social Secuirity Disability. I am 33. I have an interview tomorrow.

Better get treatment while you have insurance is my thought.

I am looking into buying a one bedroom house and getting another cat. Yay!

Good luck with the hearing! How long did it take you to get a hearing for SSDI?

Global posture re-education
 

I have been trying to find someone in my area that practices GPR. So far I am out of luck. I read about it and it seems like it would be very helpful.

It was just an interview, not a hearing. You have to be denied twice to get a hearing.