NeuroTalk Support Groups - thoracic outlet equations

I hope these equations may help someone, I believe they explain why normal life functions such as sleeping and using one’s arms cause the condition to worsen. They also explain how we are perceived by other stakeholders and what sort of response one is likely to expect from them.

Thoracic outlet syndrome equations

Terms used
TOS----- thoracic outlet syndrome
LTN-------long thoracic nerve, innervates the serratus anterior
SA------ serratus anterior muscle attaches to scapula, stabilizes scapula especially when arm lifted
BP--------brachial plexus, bundle of nerves
Pec Min---pectoralis minor muscle, attaches to scapula, stabilizes scapula especially when arm reaches forward.
PMS----- pectoralis minor syndrome, compromise to brachial plexus under pec min (a type of TOS), also known as hyperabduction syndrome
PMT----- pectoralis minor tenotomy, operation performed to relieve pressure on brachial plexus under pec min
T4 syndrome------ condition where thoracic spine (usually involving T4 but not always) is hypo mobile ( less mobile than normal) causes symptoms same as TOS + affect on autonomic nervous system including changes to breathing
Wry neck--------a stiff neck
Scalene muscles---muscles in the neck which are involved in a) compression of the brachial plexus b) compromise to the LTN
Chest breathing----abnormal breathing pattern, sufferer when at rest fails to breathe using normal diaphragmatic motion
THE EQUATIONS

Wry neck = scalene tightness=temporary BP compromise + LTN compromise

LTN compromise=partial SA weakness= shoulder girdle weakness=muscle compensation= pectoralis muscle syndrome

Muscle compensation = overuse of upper trapezius, rhomboids= T4 syndrome

T4 syndrome=autonomic nerve compromise=breathing problems (T2), venous problems (T2) = cold hands, cyanosis.

Scapular instability + rehabilitation program= increased compromise to LTN= less scapular stability= increased muscle compensation = worsening BP symptoms and muscle spasms in upper back = tighter thoracic spine = worsening T4 symptoms.

Chest breathing + sleeping and lying on ribcage + lying on affected (unstable shoulder girdle) = further compromise to LTN and BP = worsening of symptoms

Using the affected arm = overuse of compensatory scapular stabilizing muscles = displaced scapula = bowstringing of LTN = less scapular stability = further overuse of compensatory scapular stabilizing muscles = pec minor syndrome and tighter thoracic spine.

Lack of understanding of mechanism of injury and deterioration of physical condition by medical establishment + work injury management cost containment policies + burgeoning medical costs + medical practitioners willing to provide convenient excuses + current diagnostic modalities inability to detect neurological compromise = convenient diagnosis of psychological disorder, illness behaviour.

Wry neck + high work ethic + working through early symptoms + worsening symptoms + inability of medical establishment to help + worsening of symptoms whilst under care of medical providers + attacks on integrity of sufferer + threats of removal of income + no hope of improvement = depression = convenient diagnosis for work injury managers.

Work Injury Management system + explanation of a condition which has a debilitating affect on claimant = far reaching economic consequences = denial of such a condition. The equation we are looking for is.

TOS + cure = happy worker and happy Work Injury Management system.

I hope you are all doing well, regards towelhorse