Hi, I had a car crash 5 years ago and for the last 3 years have had bad tos symptoms. They misdiagnosed me and did a bi lateral carpal and cubital tunnel release. Obviously this didn't help other than the relief of having a much lighter wallet and not being able to work.

My question for any fellow suffers or anyone with a good understanding of the condition is this.

Because of my condition, I sit up in bed most of the day, lying down with my head and shoulders propped up on a few pillows against the wall watching my tv and using the computer at the end of my bed. That is my legs, bum, lower back and most of my upper back are flat on the bed, the rest is propped up so i can see the tv.

Is this bad for my TOS?

I wonder as my condition seems to get no better, I've had 2 mri's, seen 2 physios, 2 specialist consultants, 2 chiropractors, had multiple blood tests, nerve conduction studies, been given stretch's to do, stopped smoking , stopped drinking milk, lost weight, walked till my legs felt like dropping off.

Nothing seems to make a lot of difference. I appreciate I'll probably never be a mechanic again or ride my motorbike, but if i could just draw, play my guitar or play some computer games every once in a while I'd be overjoyed.

Any idea's or suggestions appreciated. thanks

You are actually bad, but if you do surgery you can be more bad, that tos

Many with severe pain & symptoms find a good recliner to be a big help, might be a bit more supportive of the whole body than pillows?
Unless you have a ton of pillows for support.

If lots of time is spent in bed - a slight propping up under the knees is usually a good idea, at least some of the time.


Just for whole body & circulation - I would really try to keep up with the walking or even gentle movements & stretches in bed or on the floor to keep the blood flowing all through the body.
Have you looked at Sharon Butlers book or website?
www.selfcare4rsi.com - she really explains a lot about how sticky fascia & tissues can cause problems for us?

Do you have neuro TOS or vascular type TOS?


I didn't have surgery- but I did see more than 2 PTs & at more than 2 places too.

I think by seeing so many I learned what was helpful, and how to tell who was good and who was not so good.

I went to 5 places & 7 different PTs and still go to my chiropractor monthly, partially due to hyper mobility and doing things still that get me out of alignment. He does PT type therapeutic modalities for me as needed so I don't need to go to any PT places in addition to him.


So don't give up on seeking out the very best PTs you can find, ask around for ones with advanced training, there's also the whole body & semi alternative care - acupuncture/acupressure, some yoga styles, feldenkrais, Alexander.

The sticky thread up above the list has info on many of these.

Thanks Jo*Mar,

I'll look into getting a decent recliner rather than lying on a matress on the floor. I think I have neuro tos, though none of the doctors I've seen in the last 3 years have said what was wrong with me at all, other than the one that took 4 grand for the operations I didn't need.

I forgot to put the useful sticky link up for you -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

Thanks Jo*mar appreciate it.

I'll read my way through the list.

Know your enemy and all that