I have an x-ray to do tomorrow (for SSDI disability determination) and I was wondering, what can it show? I am under the impression that RSIs are not visible on them.....

It's probably to check for other cause or rule out any other problem/causes.

A portion of the TOSers have extra cervical ribs above the first rib, or misshappem rib cage, or first ribs. These can compress the area. BUT, I do know of our Kate in MD had cervical ribs and the worse pain was the opposite side of the one with extra rib

Doctors like to see something for the symptoms, so if they find rib structure problems they have an Ah ha moment. Just like raising the arms and finding a bruit, but most of society has a bruit without TOS. Also, there can be short fiborus bands that go from the neck to the collar bone. Half of society has these shrt supporting bands, but unless an injury happens they may never get TOS.

So anomolies can potentally explain TOS. BUT never believe a doctor that tells you you do not have TOS if you do not have cervical ribs, only about 5 % of society have what is called true TOS a noted reason. The other 95% has disputed TOS and the diagx is made lacking or ruling out other diagx's.

So RSI's are not shown, but the c-rib could explain IF that is what you have...Sounds like he is ruling things out still.
di

Thank you Di! You taught me some new stuff

And you know what else? I meant to include in the original post that the x-rays are on my hands. I guess it could be arthritis that they'd be ruling out- right??

When i first presented to my Dr with symtoms, they sent me for hand xrays - they were checking for rheumatoid arthritis....which of course i didnt have!

Lots of good stuff to learn here on the forum, they got me started on TOS forum 11 years ago. Most folks know more about their situation then the majority of docs!

OMG on your hands, he is starting at the bottom of the chain working up?

Well, if if he is focusing on your hands and ruling out the artho, I hopes he works his way up to the cervical and brachial area soon!
To tell you the truth if I have TOS and doc looks at my hands first, I am leary to how much he really cares about TOS as a diagx. The reason I say that is if you explain your symptoms and he is starting at the hands, he may be anti TOS.

We have a super top Neurologist in the area. A forum member saw him. She was diagx with MS and TOS. Straight up he told her I will treat the MS but not address the TOS. Unreal! For all his education to help, he just refuses and slams a door.

We are lucking to have several top knowledgable docs in the area here and Norristown/Blue Bell Phila area. They cut to the chase when they suspect TOS.
But, I forget your sympt. Maybe there is a new concern of a symptom.
What I hated was several years of trying to get a diagx for my daughter when the first doc a ortho in our area treating her KNEW what it was and did not say or treat. NOR protect her from further injury!

Thank you Di!
I am diagnosed w/ bilateral tendonitis hands, elbows, shoulder. TOS- maybe.
I wish this was with my treating Doc- instead, its a disability determination eval for Social Security :? So I guess they're just trying to see if I'm elligible. This is my second evaluation like this and to tell you the truth, I don't know how these evals work. Arrggggh!! But I'll spare you the details right now. I'll post in the Soc. Sec board more than likely on these adventures.