Originally I thought my problem was my neck muscles. The pain would be in my arm, shoulder and chest. It turned out that my problem was pain from a herniated neck disk. NO FUN! Please, if it ever gets to the point of surgery, it may sound silly at first but before surgery, I suggest considering acupuncture along with physical therapy. It helped my herniated neck disk.

I mentioned this before - Just want to mention it again -I hope I don't sound like a broken record

If you had or have primarily - hand, arm, shoulder, neck, upper back pain or a possible repetitive strain injury {hand /arm RSI = Carpal/Cubital tunnel, tendinitis etc }.

Please read some of the links about thoracic outlet syndrome {TOS}
just to help make sure - many of the sx can overlap.

But if you happen to have a structural nerve or vascular compression - it most likely can be repaired.

TOS useful sticky thread - http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=84

I WOULD HAVE TO BE OF "ME ROCKER" to go and have surgery over all the things I am going through. I see the pain Dr. today at 6:15 (I hate the way he see's me so late,) right around supper time!(hopefully) for the last time. I will be going to Cleveland from now on. they are so busy with so many patients up there!! but far worth the wait, I guess. My pain is now getting to the point where my clothes hurt my arm, shoulder.Even a slight breeze.Ouch! ya know something ComfyRest, I am afraid of acupuncture!!) never had it, probably never will. now, physcial therapy, now that's a very good idea! thank you! Love, Desi

Wow Jo! lots of reading here!! thank you!! going to mention this to my Dr. thanks again! Love, Desi

Unfortunately, many doctors are just as uniformed or misinformed on TOS as on RSD.
That is why it is necessary to read up on it and learn about it then proceed with that knowledge if you feel it may apply to you.