First timer here, looking for guidance and information...

Long story short, I was in a car accident about two months ago; was ambulanced to the hospital and told I had a severe case of whiplash. Two days later, I ended back in the ER for shortness of breath and constant pain in my shoulder and neck. Once again, I was told that it was whiplash and the shortness of breath was a result of sore muscles not letting my chest expand properly to breathe.

I was seen for a follow up and was recommended to physical therapy for whiplash treatment. That lasted about six weeks until the physical therapists cancelled my treatments due to no progress and the fact that I still didnt have a proper diagnosis as to what was actually causing all of this pain, tension, and impaired movement. The physical therapists I had seen all agreed that I showed the symptoms of thoracic outlet and told me to ask my PCP for a referral to an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Orthopedic Surgeon: This appointment did not go well for me; being that it left me with only more questions than answers. He stated that my elevated rib was probably something I was born with (I'm 28, out of the x-rays, ct's, MRI's and such that I have had in life; wouldn't I know if that was the case?). When I asked about the impingement my PCP had mentioned, he dismissed that saying that my pain was not a result of such because I can't even lift my arm to ninety degrees or higher (my MRI showed that I have type II acromion, but everything else appeared to be normal). He completely dismissed Thoracic Outlet as an option and told me his best guess was that I have RSDs. To which he informed me that "cortisone shots and physical therapy were the best and only treatments that I could get" to help with the pain and "there was nothing else that could be done". After informing me that this could last a year or even longer, I was beside myself.

I've read many articles on both RSDs and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, to which my symptoms most correlate with TOS. However, I am stuck and am not sure which steps to take at this point. I've had multiple opinions and yet here I am stuck in horrific pain to which I find little relief and have no real answer as to what is wrong other than the common conclusion that it is something to do with damaging my nerves which is a direct result from the car accident.

What I need is answers, I refuse to be a "broken toy". This entire ordeal has not only been frustrating and depressing, but an endeavor to which I am starting to lose hope in finding releif. I know that there has to be some information out there that can get me back onto the right path.

Any and all information or guidance is most welcome and appreciated!