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.