TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrom) - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

samieaz · 09-12-2004, 12:26 PM

I would like to know anyone's experience with TOS. I feel that I have symptoms of TOS, but the doctors state I don't have it. They have done X-Rays and state that my first rib is not compressing on my nerves. However, I have numbness and tingling in my arms and fingers and weakness. I feel that I have what is known as "Disputed TOS", but as the name shows, many doctors don't believe in that. Does anyone have any information to share on this subject please? Thanks for your time.

flyonthewall · 09-13-2004, 10:04 AM

I was treated for TOS. They went in by my collarbone and slit the muscle. It helped for a while but I turned out to have carpel tunnel syndrome. An EMG proved the CTS.

dstorfer · 09-27-2004, 01:31 PM

I'm finding many similarities in your symptoms and diagnoses to mine.

I also started with arm and hand problems, numbness and shooting pain - very carpal tunnel like. They told me I didn't have that. This was back in 1990. Then the pain progressed more into neck, shoulder, and upper back - constant spasms in all those muscles, along with the arm and hand aches continuing. I was also diagnosed with TOS, but then told that maybe I don't have that either.

MRI's also show slightly herniated discs at C4-5, 5-6 and about 10 doctors all concur that it is not the cause of the pain? How can it be that so many of us have these symptoms and herniated discs, and it is not the cause?

Shababy · 07-06-2005, 02:30 PM

I was told today that I have TOS in both arms/shoulders by the VA Hospital. They said they know it's TOS because my arms don't have a pulse when they are in a certain position. I also have numbness in my hands/arms in the night when I sleep in certain positions. I also have pain in my arms, esp. the left one. Alot of times, I feel like I'm having a heart attack. I'm taking Diclofanic, an anti-inflamitory for pain, tums just in case it's the acid reflux, and aspirin to slow down my heart. I've been seeing a Cardiologist and an acid reflux specialist too since it's so hard to tell which is causing which problem, very frustrating. I had an MRI a few months ago of my neck and found a buldging disk. I have also injured both shoulders in the past.