About Me
Member since October 24, 2014
I wanted to join a site where I can relate to others with the same issues that I have been dealing with for years. Most other forums haven't had postings in several years. This forum seemed to have the most up to date contacts. I'm 54 years old and was diagnosed with 4 herniated discs in my neck when I was 35. I was a gym rat for many years and working out took a toll on my body. What I did not know at the time was that I also had forward neck. No one had ever brought this to my attention until approximately 5 years ago. I lived with pain for several years, but I was able to continue working out, kayaking, bicycling and other outdoor activities. Time caught up with me and over the last 3 yrs. I've had 3 neck surgeries by 2 different spine surgeons. 2 years ago, one of the surgeons sent me for a discogram ( a very painful procedure ) to determine if pain from the right side of my neck , arm and body was coming from my c5-c6 or c6-c7 vertebrae. That procedure gave me a spinal infection that almost killed me. A c6-c7 anterior fusion was performed but the infection from the discogram put a hole in my c5 vertebrae. My pain did not subside. In September, 2013, I had to have a posterior fusion (through the back of my neck) from c5 through c7 with the use of aluminum rods to provide stability to my neck because of the damage from the infection. In my opinion, the third surgery made my condition worse. Even after all of those surgeries, I still had pain on the right side of my neck, clavicle, brachial plexus, right arm and shoulder blade pain. I was seen by 5 surgeons in one year and not one of them recognized the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. It was diagnosed by 2 physical therapists. An Adson's test proved positive. However, a nerve conductor test (EMG) and a Vascular Outlet test did not. I am completely familiar with all of the symptoms and my TOS is neurological. I have nerve damage after my posterior cervical surgery. I have read my articles about TOS relief, which include physical therapy, TOS stretching exercises, valium and dilaudid and anti-inflammatories. I've tried it all, including the drugs Neurontin and Lyrica. These 2 drugs had terrible side effects and provided no relief. With all of that said, I empathize with those of you with same affliction. Once an extremely active man, I can only do limited exercise. Regular everyday chores such as mowing my lawn and vacuuming causes significant pain. Now my forward neck condition only makes the pain even more unbearable. I am more conscious of my posture now and continue to stretch several times daily. The TOS stretching exercises don't seem to help me. I hope to gain some insight from other profilers and will provide any support to those who may need it.

I've also ready about TOS surgery and the severe risks that go along with it. The success rate is not very good and in many cases, previous pre-surgery symptoms re-develop. I've found that most doctors don't know enough about TOS or how to treat it. I live in SC and I'm thinking of checking out the TOS program at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.