Hello. I just came across this forum, and this is my first posting. I am very interested to read all the discussion about symptoms of TOS. I think I have caused some injury to the brachial plexus nerve in my right shoulder, and I'm a little scared, looking for some words of advice and/or encouragement from others with more experience. While I cant be absolutely certain, I do believe that this is --not-- caused by TOS in my case. But the symptoms seem so close, and I thought the experience of so many others on this forum might really be helpful to figure out how to best proceed.

Several months ago I fell while waterskiing, and when I hit the water my arm was hyperabducted rather forcefully. I had immediate pain behind my right pectoralis muscles, running up into the armpit. I also had tingling sensations in my thumb, and first two fingers (median nerve). The symptoms lasted several weeks. There was no swelling or bruising. The tingling was at its worst with external rotation of my shoulder, but seemed to resolve within several weeks. I thought I had recovered reasonably well. But recently, I began to have return of significant pain in the region behind the pectoralis major, around the side just a bit, and up toward the armpit. It's sharp pain, and hurts even to push down on the soap dispenser in the shower (in other words I don't have to push very hard at all to get pain). And I'm now getting a disturbing "funny bone" feeling down my arm and in my hand for no other apparent reason. The median nerve area of the hand and palm is what seems to be affected. I'm almost certain the pectoralis major is fine. And the circulation to my arm is fine. The pain is much more consistent with location of the pectoralis minors, and activities that aggravate my pain seem to be those that enlist the use of those muscles. My shoulder blade and shoulder function seem completely normal and pain free. I imagine there may be some tearing of the pec minor muscle, plus inflammation or scar tissue near the upper insertion that is compressing the brachial plexus causing the nerve symptoms that I feel in my hand. This is my best guess based on research and looking at the anatomy. Does my self diagnosis sound reasonable? I have complete motor function, no numbness, only pins and needles in my hand that come and go apparently at random, causing anxiety. I've also ruled out carpel tunnel, more or less.

I am a little frightened about this. Does anybody have experience with an injury of this type? What are some likely options for treatment? I have just started down the road of diagnostic testing. Are there any particular diagnostics I should be requesting? As usual I fear the worst. I could really use some words of advice and/or encouragement. I am scheduling all the various doctors of course, but in the mean time I hope this forum may offer some help or maybe just comforting advice. Thanks in advance for your comments!