Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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For about two years now I have had my left arm tingling and fingers going numb (ring finger & pinky). I have had no injury except for shooting a gun at a shooting range and then not being able to move my neck at all.

Since then I have had a steroid injection into the spine, seen two neurologists and one neuro reconstructive surgeon. Both nuerologists said my EMG looked fine and sent me on my way with Lyrica. The Lyrica I had to stop taking because I was having psychological problems due to the medicine.

The surgeon just recently diagnosed me with TOS. He suggested that I see a PT but, I had been sent to a PT by one of the Neurologists and the PT sent e to the surgeon. The PE said at the age of 26 is too young to be having theses types of symptoms (hard to drive a car for short periods of time, raising my arm is uncomforable, not sleeping due to laying on my back and pain).

I am at a loss of what to do. I don't want surgery but, I am beginning to feel that my  left arm and hand are growing weak even though I work out five times a week. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Since you have a history of neck injury, nerve compression in the cervical region cannot be ruled out as a cause of your symptoms.
Please get an X ray or MRI scan of neck done to rule out this possibility.
The diagnosis of TOS can be made by Selmonosky triad which includes tenderness in the supraclavicular area, pale hands and tingling numbness in hands and movement problems with ring and pinky finger.
Please discuss these possibilities with your treating doctor and let us know if you need more information. Take care!

[karap333]

i would find a different PT.  If it is TOS, then it takes a long time for PT to start helping.  In most cases TOS not caused by a cervical rib (an extra one) will not be significantly helped by surgery (at least in all the articles I've found).

Do some research, educate your self on TOS then find a PT and/or doctor that are knowledgable about it.

Being 26 has nothing to do with it if is is TOS!  Good luck!