Hi, I often have pain and spasms along the upper back, traps, medial scapula.
I was led on a merry chase by some docs dismissing it as spondylitis (cervical disc issues etc). A couple of doctors noted this was a misdiagnosis and it was probably "something else" - finally one doctor noted it was NTOS.

Just to be sure I was reading through my stuff to make sure I didnt miss anything, when I went back to my original reports, taken after my accident which started the issue

my MRI report states that

C6-C7: Diffuse disc bulge with impression on thecal sac. No focal root compressions, no extension into the foramina.

So does this mean its not a disc bulge issue but probably an entrapment issue like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Since my problems started after a whiplash injury to the neck.

The above seems to suggest (to my eyes) that its not from the disc but something else.

My cervical neck is perfect in the MRI. It's been described as one of the best necks ever seen by one of the radiology techs. I've been given five MRIs over the past ten years and one CT scan. Everyone wants to rule out the cervical spine.

I would think that yours would be a cause for concern, but idk much about bulging discs.

http://http://www.americanspinal.com...cal-bulge.html

disc bulge with impression on thecal sac
No focal root compressions, no extension into the foramina.

The thecal sac is the fluid filled area around the spinal cord, if only a slight touching most likely no symptoms from it..

Similar to a water balloon around the cord for a layer of protection.
Basically is what I found about it.

I don't know, I had a slight bulging disc, and the pain was incredible. My ortho suggested surgery(disc fusion) and it helped tremendously. I had that issue in addition to my TOS, so it certainly doesn't have to be one or the other.

Thanks guys. I am just wondering if there is something apart from TOS going on there which I can fix, and which would address my painful trap's on the right side. Its what is really disabling.

Brisco71, can you tell me a bit more about your bulging disc issue? Was it nerve root compression or cord impingement? Or something else?

Apparently, facet joint issues and referred pain from the discs can cause the upper trap issues and pain as well. I'd suggest all those of us who have this issue get that checked out too. Cervical issues can coexist with TOS and for those of us who got into this disaster thanks to whiplash injury, auto accidents I guess its even more important.

You know, I have no clue, really.lol I have had a diagnosis of cervical stenosis for years, so I would assume that the cord was impinged? All I know is that my ortho reviewed my MRI, and said he had found a bulge at c-5, and scheduled surgery. By the time I had the surgery a few weeks later, I was in so much pain, I hadn't slept in a week. I had the disc fusion in August of 2013 and by December 2013 my ortho was sending me to Johns Hopkins to get the TOS diagnosis and schedule surgery. My first rib removal was in Jan. of this year. So, 2 major surgeries within 5 months. I still need to have my right rib removed, but, I am waiting to give myself more time to heal.

@Akash, two things that I like are with regards to the problems you describe are:

Inversion board. Studies prove that inversion has benefits including increasing the space between vertebra, reducing sciatica (which I had), etc. Start out slowly and build up though. If you do too much, you can produce the opposite reaction and tighten up.

RumbleRoller Beastie Ball. I just got this recently to try to break up muscle tension in my upper back, especially around the shoulder blade. It's working great so far. It's intense and I've decided to apply it every other day. Only 2 sessions so far, and already 80% improvement. I got the clear version which is softer that the bright green. I use it against a wall and just move my body around to hit different spots.

You may wish to review these ideas with your PT or MD before embarking on them. Regardless, start slow and build up. TOS is so easy to flare up.

Chroma, you rock. I hope to find something useful and report on it too.