Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Support Group

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and armpit.

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Support Group

Arm pain

sparky0488
sparky0488
I was told I have TOS a couple years ago. My doctor said it's really nothing to worry about, and that ibuprofen should help and I should still continue doing physical activity I'd done before.

My deal with it hasn't been a horror story, but it has made things uncomfortable at times, like sleeping or working out.

My main symptom (at least I think it's a symptom) is arm pain. it's not jolting or severe, just annoying, and it feels like it extends to my hand and makes my hand relatively weak (esp. when typing at work).

I've also had previous pain around my collarbone and left shoulder.

Just wanted to know if anyone else experiences this too!

Thanks :) -Andy
deleted_user
deleted_user
yes, i have symptoms like those. arm pain is pretty constant. it seems to start around the collarbone, and goes down into my shoulder, armpit, and all the way my arm to my hand and fingers. feels like a burning pain. a steady, dull ache, with sharp shooting pains that come and go. weakness and some numbness in my hand. very uncomfortable, to say the least. puts me in tears sometimes! difficult to sleep, carry things with that arm, shower, or do anything that requires arm to be above the head. repetitive motion things like vacuuming or cleaning the shower are very hard to do, and aggrivate the pain even more.

i've tried physical therapy a few times over the years, but it always makes my pain worse, not better. and my narcotic pain killers don't work on this pain, so i know plain advil won;t help me either.

I hope you find some relief soon!

take care!! :)

h
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have very similar symptoms to what you both describe, especially pain/numbness while sleeping. The arm pain isn't constant and doesn't always manifest itself the same way, though.
deleted_user
deleted_user
From someone who has severe pain 24-7, nerve blockers have been a god-send. These minimise the pain to between about 30 and 60% of what it used to be, and then prescription pain killers can be taken on top when the pain is particularly bad.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lyrica worked well for the burning in my arm. Didn't help the muscular pain though.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lee71, Sparky0488 and pixified!!! - I am glad I searched for some support group like this one because I have the almost exactly the same symptoms as you guys described esp what lee71 wrote.

My symptoms started almost a year ago in september 2011, I went to the chiropractor in October 2011 after about a month. Since then I have been continually going to a Chiropractor (2 so far), Physical Therapy (2 so far), Spine Orthopedic MD (2 so far) all kinds of workstartion ergonomic adjustments (I am a computer programmer! who spends at least 9 hrs / day on a computer coding/programming) and finally only almost after 10 months - the 2nd orthopedic diagnosed as Functional Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

I am wondering how you folks are feeling currently? It has been 2 years since the original post so i hope to hear good news that you are feeling better.

You reply is truly appreciated.

Cheers,
Kiran