[pixified]

I get a lot of pain under my collarbone where my first rib is/used to be. For those of you who have a similar issue is there anything that has helped? Of all the TOS related problems, this one is the most frustrating for me. When it gets too bad I can't really d much with my arm.

[chroma]

I frequently get this. After a little research I discovered there is a little muscle under there that can spasm and cause pain. I posted my research here at this thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...d.php?t=160496

Things that help me:

-- Gently roll a lacrosse ball from sternum towards the outside of the body.

-- Supporting the arm such as putting pillows underneath or resting the hands on the hips.

-- Cold pack. 15 mins on, 15 off, 15 on.

-- Muscle relaxation meditation.

-- Muscle relaxant (diazepam).

-- Professional help such as a PT who does soft tissue work or massage therapist. This gave me my most lasting improvement.

Note that much of the above can be combined. When it gets bad, I'll roll the ball, sit down with the arm support and put the cold pack on while relaxing. Works pretty good.

I would like to hear other people's tips too.

[SD38]

Originally Posted by pixified

I get a lot of pain under my collarbone where my first rib is/used to be. For those of you who have a similar issue is there anything that has helped? Of all the TOS related problems, this one is the most frustrating for me. When it gets too bad I can't really d much with my arm.

I get this too.....not continual but intermittently I get a sharp stabbing sensation in the exact same position, it feels like a knitting needle is being stuck in, and worse if it gets cold! Post op scar tissue tightening/repairing still maybe??????? What concerns me is that I still experience fatigue ( deep muscle aches ) in the arm with use, prehaps it's still too soon to comment...... I'm 4 months post op.
How long has it been since your first rib was removed??

[SD38]

Originally Posted by chroma

I frequently get this. After a little research I discovered there is a little muscle under there that can spasm and cause pain. I posted my research here at this thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...d.php?t=160496

Things that help me:

-- Gently roll a lacrosse ball from sternum towards the outside of the body.

-- Supporting the arm such as putting pillows underneath or resting the hands on the hips.

-- Cold pack. 15 mins on, 15 off, 15 on.

-- Muscle relaxation meditation.

-- Muscle relaxant (diazepam).

-- Professional help such as a PT who does soft tissue work or massage therapist. This gave me my most lasting improvement.

Note that much of the above can be combined. When it gets bad, I'll roll the ball, sit down with the arm support and put the cold pack on while relaxing. Works pretty good.

I would like to hear other people's tips too.

I LOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEEE your tips........ superb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have none of my own to share at the moment as I'm still trying out mostly yours, which are FAB!
BUT I would recommend giving acupuncture a try. I had 4 sessions just before the New Year which seemed to help relax me mentally ..... therefore in turn help relax my body and reduce muscle tension. It wasn't a miracle cure BUT it did affect me enough to recommend it as a useful tool to relieve tension/pain. I will continue with this method probably on a monthly basis to help with my overall body relaxation.

[pixified]

Thanks, chroma. Interesting that you mention the subclavius muscle; the tendon to that muscle was cut during surgery (purposefully). Soft tissue mobilization definitely helps.

It's coming up on 6 months, SD38. My arm still gets tired but the heaviness is better.

[SD38]

Originally Posted by pixified

Thanks, chroma. Interesting that you mention the subclavius muscle; the tendon to that muscle was cut during surgery (purposefully). Soft tissue mobilization definitely helps.

It's coming up on 6 months, SD38. My arm still gets tired but the heaviness is better.

I saw my neurologist yesterday, post op checks. He has referred me for extra EMG tests ( possible additional issues from carpal tunnel????).
Good news is..... also been referred for physio.
I can't wait to see if the heavy sensation eases up in arm.
Hope you are well. Thanks for the reply.