non-surgical TOS treatment
 

Hi everyone,

unfortunately I had unsuccessful TOS surgery in May 2013. My doctor suggested having a "Nerve Block Injection". I haven't found anything about any TOS patients having this done. I've had to be referred to ANOTHER specialist to have this done.

I've tried almost EVERY non-surgical options possible. physio (since Dec 2012), acupuncture, massage therapy (including deep tissue massage), steroid injections (into the shoulder joint). you name it. and then the surgery (which didn't work unfortunately).

Does anyone suggest anything that might be helpful???


Thanks,
Katie

What about an expert posture assessment?
By advanced or expert PT or chiro?
Trigger point work?

Might be helpful to refresh us on your most bothersome symptoms and avg daily pain levels?

If you can list what you did try so we don't repeat it...

Of course some practitioners are more skilled than others , I found that out with changing PTs for various reasons - luckily I got better ones each time.
It does take a lot of time, almost like a job, to really focus on healing & fixing things.

Roughly it took me 2+ years, stopped working, and focused on PT/ chiro, lots of posture & self care, trigger point work..
some home help gadgets - far infrared heating pad, IF stim, shiatsu recliner , foam roller, swiss ball - don't need all of these of course, I just accumulated them over the years since 2004.

just got an inversion table but had the flu , then a cold so haven't used it regularly yet.

Hi Jo*mar,

Most of my symptoms are severe shoulder pain, and complete numbness of my right arm, and discolouration/temperature changes in my hand/wrist.

unfortunately, I've seen 3 PT's, and 2 Chiro's. with multiple treatments. a lot of issue that occurred was muscle spasms in my shoulder, which prevented some of the treatment (I had Ultrasound, Taping (which actually helped with my neck but I can't apply myself unfortunately, and my insurance ran out, and I have to pay $60 for them to apply it, I've tried to have a friends/family try and they can't seen to get it right), and TENS, IF stim) as well as the usual muscle strengthening, postural treatment - a MUST with TOS and I've still unfortunately have some muscle wasting (my doctor mentioned).

I've seen MULTIPLE doctors: neurologists, physical rehab, pain specialist/neurologist, orthopaedic surgeon, thoracic surgeon, Chinese medicine doctor/acupuncturist. and now a anesthesologist (for a consult for nerve block injection). there might be a couple more.

A lot of what I find helps at home is I HAVE to use a heating pad multiple times in the evening due to the pain, which somewhat relieves it, while doing physio exercises daily. unfortunately plus pain meds (which i'd obviously rather not have to take).

What would you suggest using the foam roller with? I use one at work with my chair for posture. i'd LOVE the recliner, I just don't think one would fit in my apartment :(. I might try the swiss ball.


Thanks for the suggestions!!!


Katie.

To help get shoulders/neck back in line with body, let gravity do the work...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/pi...pictureid=5399

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/pi...pictureid=5400
lay on foam roll or large towels rolled up tightly - pillow if needed for neck comfort - then just relax with arms at a comfortable position
many times a day

Thanks,

I'll try these! :)