TOS and alcohol
 

Hi,
I have been experiencing neuropathy for about a year and have been through many false diagnoses (carpal tunnel, pinched nerve in neck). While I have not received a diagnosis of TOS from a doctor, both my PT and massage therapist have identified my symptoms as being caused by TOS and this is what I have been receiving treatment for.
I don't drink regularly, but I have noticed that when I do my symptoms are affected. Alcohol seems to stop my shoulder spasms, but also later increases nerve pain (burning, fatigue, weakness, etc). My massage therapist can't explain it and I was wondering if anyone else has any experience with this?

Since my rib resection surgeries, I have trained myself to move throughout the night - ever so slightly - to prevent freezing up of my muscles and neck/spine. I have noticed that when I drink (no more than 1 cocktail or glass of wine), it relaxes me to the point that I lie very still as I sleep. This in turn, causes my neck and muscles to freeze (lock up) and that can be VERY painful. I feel like my pillow had turned into a brick overnight! :eek:

Hope this helps,
Anne