Hi! I am new. Don't know if TOS is my problem, but after typing in "tight chest muscles" in a search engine, I quickly ended up on this sight and reading.

I have super tight chest muscles, along with shoulder muscles that make me be in a constant position of having my shoulders up toward my neck. When I think about it, I will 'willfully' relax everything--I can breathe easily again and my shoulders come down. But, one minute later I am back tense again. It is almost like you would be if you saw someone was going to throw something at you to hit you, and you couldn't move. All you could do was brace for it. That is my upper body 24/7 for the last few years.

I also have other issues that started 4 years ago. I get lightheaded when standing, so sit most of the time. When I stand, the chest tightness is worse, like I am having to support my upper body by 'bracing'.

I also have abdominal bloating that is made worse by this relentless tensing. Then it is a cascade of things: harder to breath, pressure in my chest and neck and face.

I do have cervical stenosis, diagnosed by MRI, but no outward symptoms from it.

I have some scoliosis and bad posture, but can't make myself sit correctly, because it makes me feel like my chest circulation is getting 'cut off'. It is very uncomfortable. I cannot sit straight up anymore, as I feel like I am being "strangled" from my chest upwards. I have to somewhat recline.

I was reading about the 'white hand syndrome' and realize I have been looking for years at my left hand being lighter colored than my right hand and wondering why.

Sorry this is so choppy. I just wanted to give you pieces of what might be relevant.

Much of it sounds pretty familiar.
Have you had any therapy for the scoliosis & posture issues?

I would consider looking into some body workers, expert ones not beginners. Alexander, feldenkrais - lots of styles of it.

There are a lot of videos online about posture, chiropractic, stretching, bodywork - Google videos or you tube are great for learning about some of this stuff.
Also some vids will show if you search thoracic outlet syndrome.

If your hand is white even with arm down - I'd get that looked at from a circulation stand point at least.
It might save you some time to track down a good dr that is open to considering TOS at least as many will pooh pooh or totally ignore the idea - or they just plain don't know beans about it.

Or even seek out an advanced PT or expert chiropractor for evaluation purposes. Then ask for a MD referral or take that info to a MD.
Sometimes PT places have a good idea of what dr is good for certain conditions...

What kind of work do you do?
many accidents/whiplash/ sport injuries etc?

One thing is try to keep aware of your posture and gently work to bring those shoulders down and relaxation techniques will be helpful also.

If you haven't found the useful stickys threads yet be sure to look thru those for much more detail than I can cover.
look for the green icon w/ arrow above the main thread list.

The constant tight muscles might be spasms and a good PT or some chiros will do ultra sound , heat, IF stim to get those muscles to release/relax before attempting any other type of treatment. You may have some trigger points also & those will need to be addressed early on.

Thanks! I don't work, as I can't stand up or drive. Ten years ago it got to where my eyes don't stay focused on the road when I'm driving.

And, like I said earlier, 4 years ago I started getting lightheaded when standing. It also causes my heart rate and b/p go up. My doctors don't know why I have this or how to treat it. I have always wondered if it was related to a mechanical problem--always wondered if standing up and having poor posture is putting pressure on blood flow through my trunk. That would make sense to me.

I was rear-ended 11 years ago, but had absolutely no pain or problems related to it.

I don't have any insurance for physical therapy. I have a bad cervical area and osteopenia, so probably won't be going to a chiro.

What kind of doctor is most open to looking into TOS? I have been to a few cardios regarding the standing issue, but not much luck. Have been to a neuro who diagnosed cervical issues, but no real answers for the standing issues.

They all see I can't sit up in a straight chair, as I bring my old floppy lawn chair to sit in at my appts. so that I can slump. If I don't, then the chest pressure starts and then I feel lightheaded and heart racing. Not one doctor asks me why I am sitting in my lawn chair!!!

How about an orthopedist? I was thinking that was going to be my next doctor "specialist" to see for my poor posture and if it is affecting my chest circulation, etc.

Maybe an osteopath ??or possibly a physiatrist ?
- most here didn't have much luck with ortho drs.

What exactly is a physiatrist? Is it an MD? I think I've heard the term, but am not familiar with what they are.

When I mentioned the other day that I have a "white hand", I actually have a "pale" hand, while the other one gets "bluish"! I really don't know if I have one that is lighter or one that is darker! I just know there is a difference.

Thanks for your help.

[Physiatrists specialize in restoring optimal function to people with injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues, and nervous system (such as stroke patients).[1]]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physica...rehabilitation

http://www.aapmr.org/condtreat/what.htm


IMO- at times they may focus on strengthening/rehab more than those with some limitations can handle.