By "earlier", I mean earlier in the process of getting treated for TOS. Just wanted to clarify.

thanks all

ive been takin clonopin sometimes for sleep but maybe ill ask for valium

does anyone know if a rib stretch MAJORLY flares you up, what does that mean?

i like ice. my first pt had me lay on a heated thing and it just felt wrong to me

chin tucks are working well with me, theyre completely exhausting tho

What are they doing for you? Which youtube chin tuck video matches what you're doing?

i used to have a good link i gotta find it

http://www.physio-pedia.com/index.ph...ation_Protocol

im wondering if my shoulders hangin off my sides are making this even harder. its really really exhuasting

Btw I also settled on 2mg, 2 X per day, for the diazepam. This worked better for me than taking it intermittently which often meant after a flare up had already started.

Chroma, I have been suffering and doctoring for TOS for many years. First on the left side and now the right. The right side is worse because the TOS is arterial and causes me a lot of pain, swelling and fear. Due to past surgical complications I am not eager to go for surgery yet. I now see a vascular surgeon who says it is only a matter of time before I will end up in surgery (we will see).

I wanted to paste this little portion of Dr. Ellis Wladislaw's website which you might want to look at. I have used several of his recommendations and they have helped a little. Anyway this section was found under the Treatment tab:

..."Pharmaceuticals, unfortunately, are of minimal-to-moderate help. When appropriate, diazepam (more so than its congeners) helps in reducing the irritability and attendant trapezial and scalene muscle spasm. Other muscle relaxants, such as Flexoril or Soma, can be of benefit as well. Opiates are usually of minimal benefit and have obvious problems in select individuals. Antiepileptics and vasoactive agents play an even lesser role but can often be effective, again in select individuals."

Diazepam is the only med that has given be a little bit of relief at times. It was interesting to read it has helped you as well.

Thanks for chiming in.

As I also get relief from shoving my first rib down but then experience it come back up, I end up wondering if the root cause of my TOS is muscle tension. Something has to pull the rib up and that's the muscles. Which would be the two scalenes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gray124.png). Which would explain why some people get relief from botox and/or removal on the scalenes; or from diazepam relaxing the muscles.

Not that there aren't other causes. Some people have cervicle ribs, auto accidents, etc. But I've already had my xrays.

I'm thinking I need:
-- more scalene stretches
-- followed by first rib adjustment
-- more meditation

Maybe also find a masseuse who can work over those scalenes good.

Hi Chroma and Anne,
I have been interested in valium for awhile but reading about the amnesia problems of benzos concerns me. Are you guys having any amnesia probs? What are the side effects like? Any info is much appreciated.

Thanks