Hello all, I've been suffering a lot of sensations and pain for 2~3 months. Since I've seen the amount of value info in this forum, I'm more confident that I have TOS. I've already gone to a Cardiologist (Yea, in the first month I've suffered some palpitations/tachycardia but only for few days, perhaps because of my nervosism. The Dr solicited a ergonometric test and the results will be ready tommorow), Endocrinologist (First I suspected of hyperthyroidism, then a test of TSH was done, the results will be available next week), Two orthopedists (One took my cervical xray and another has analized the x ray and said was nothing, then he referred me to physio [GRP and electro physio]) and a Neurologist (Which prescribed complex B vitamin, I took it for 1 week but don't see any progress though I'm still using it, I'll probably back to him next week to request some tests for TOS like Doppler, EMG).


My current symptoms are: a constant tingling, pressure and tightening sensations in both arms (from fingers to shoulder) but it's a bit more distinct in my left side, a crazy tingling (it's like someone is taser me) and pain between my spine and right scapula when I do some movements as wash the dishes, pain in neck and base of the skull (which irradiate to head causing sometimes headaches) when I move forward/sidewards (especially to the left)/backwards (This pain has not been so strong nowadays like the initial months, unless I stay long periods with the neck in those positions which happened yesterday in my electro physio, I stayed almost 20 minutes with my neck turned to the right and left.) or run/walk vigorously. That's all... It sucks those things because I feel very weak... I can't stand my arms for long periods and when I put them in a 90 degrees above or perpendicular the head it's like some force pushing down especially the fingers which close automatically, the same occurs while I'm walking, my arms can't stay stretched so he automatically starts to fold. When I woke up it's like a heavy thing was on me.

Sorry about the long post, bad english and if I broke some forum rule but I want some advices and see whether someone had/has similar symptoms, besides I know you guys may not be a doctor and are not allowed to give guessings but I perhaps feel your pain... I didn't have those things since I got really sick by a cold for 3 weeks which is very unusual for me, then when I was getting better I had the idea to practice some jumps in water, after that (3~4 days later) it has started the pain and all crazy sensations...


*edit*
Here's my cervical frontal x ray. Are those cervical ribs? And is my first rib too folded and elevated?

Welcome adam12345.

Hey Adam,

The symptoms you have described are some that I currently experience I had been suffering for 6 years with pain In neck, shoulder and currently arm, hand and fingers, I was recently diagnosed with neurogenic TOS, I had numerous tests done and they all came back normal the way the doc came to the dx was by physical exam with certain arm movements tender spots on the chest near clavicle and loss of pulse when arm is raised. I'm telling you this because there is no specific test in order to tell wether you have TOS. Everyone is different. That being said I would recommend you seeing a vascular surgeon they no more about TOS than other docs, I saw my personal physician, neurologist, endocrinologist, physical therapist, pain main management. Try to do your homework when or if you seek a vascular surgeon/specialist. I'm going to be have surgery on Nov 25th so if you have anymore questions I'm here to help the best I can. Good luck!

Lindsey

Yes, you should see a vascular surgeon or a thoracic surgeon. If you end up getting surgery, get the best possible surgeon you can find.

Also, try to find a pain specialist that will do ultrasound guided botox.

The vitamin B with help prevent further nerve damage slightly. So will a TENS machine with the gloves instead of the electrodes.

Physical therapy can help with myofacial release and posture improvement.

Don't let it go too long, the recommendation is that if these kind of treatments don't improve things to tolerable that you have surgery after a year of trying them fully. That is because irreversable nerve damage can occur.