I didn't know where to post this one because there isn't a shoulder forum but it is Neurological in nature. I have an left arm ulnar neuropathy. ...but I've been having shoulder pain for years. I just got the ulnar neuropathy diagnosis in May of 04. I do have degenerative joint disease in both shoulders, Acromioclavicular OA in the left one, as well as bursitis and tendenitis. I also have some DDD in my neck with nerve degeneration at my C-6/7 level with axonal neuropathy. This still doesn't explain the cold hands and arms that I get all the time. They are cold from the elbow down. Then there are times when my whole left arm is cold. It's like a deep in the bone type of cold. My pinky on my right hand will also get numb at times. My hands always tingle when they get cold and sometimes they burn. I've brought this up for the past three years or longer. I've just been told it's my Fibromyalgia.
I KNOW it's NOT!!! I'm not a doctor but I'm also not an idiot. From what I've been researching they say this is one of the s&s of arterial TOS. It also talks about the scalenes and the 1st rib. I remember my PT telling me when I came in for my shoulder that my scalenes were always tight and didn't tolerate PT very well. He was always adjusting my first rib as well. Also, from what I was reading, they say that TOS can start as an Ulnar Neuropathy but the main culprit is trapped or inpenged nerves in the clavicle, rib or scalene area.
Anyone else have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Have the doctor take your blood pressure in both arms. If different, this may signify blockage. That's how they caught my problem. I had had years of pain in my right arm whenever I would lift it. They did a simple quick operation and cut away the muscle that was trapping the blood vessles and nerves against the clavicle. No problems whatsoever since then. Look into it. Good luck.
Thanks. I believe they have done that when I went to the Vascular Surg. I will ask them to look into it again. I just can't shake the feeling they are missing something because my arms and hands are cold A LOT!!! I mean to the bone!
Hi,I was told I have TOS,last yr.My left fingers,mostly pinky,go numb.The Dr. xrayed my neck,said I was born with extra rib in neck(TOS).My left fingertips burn&get painful when,cold.I,had EMG(nerve test,said Ulnar neuropathy.I,thought,it was MS.Had,brain MRI,it was normal. Dr.didnt help,much with,my problem.I reallty don't want surgury.Iam a cleaning lady&I work with my hands alot.Must be the reason for Ulnar problem.Sorry,I can't help.
Have the doctor take your blood pressure in both arms. If different, this may signify blockage. That's how they caught my problem. I had had years of pain in my right arm whenever I would lift it. They did a simple quick operation and cut away the muscle that was trapping the blood vessles and nerves against the clavicle. No problems whatsoever since then. Look into it. Good luck.
What type of doctor did you see that was able to get you set up with treatment and surgery? I was seeing a spinal orthopedic specialist, and now he is sending me to a nerve specialist to do some tests. But what would be the best type of specialist that I should see for this that would get me the right path of treatment? Thanks for your help.
Anyone with TOS?...thoracic outlet syndrome 
Re: Anyone with TOS?...thoracic outlet syndrome 
Hi,I was told I have TOS,last yr.My left fingers,mostly pinky,go numb.The Dr. xrayed my neck,said I was born with extra rib in neck(TOS).My left fingertips burn&get painful when,cold.I,had EMG(nerve test,said Ulnar neuropathy.I,thought,it was MS.Had,brain MRI,it was normal. Dr.didnt help,much with,my problem.I reallty don't want surgury.Iam a cleaning lady&I work with my hands alot.Must be the reason for Ulnar problem.Sorry,I can't help.
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