Keywords: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (August 2003)

ORIGINAL QUESTION:

I have a man suffering from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  Anyone out there with experience with this, and willing to share?   I haven't found anyone around here (Grass Valley, CA) so far that is familiar with it....... He's really hurting.  20+ years sitting at a desk for AAA and under the gun to produce as most of his income was commission based.  His body is not happy.  Any help at all would be most appreciated.

From:  Cynthia Saffell, YTT graduate Spring of 2000

Dear Bob,

I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).  When you have TOS it causes damage to the nerves in the arm and/or subclavian vein or artery.  They are irritated when the person lifts their arm higher than a 90 degree angle.  Yoga made my problem worse, as did any other movement that required raising my arm (including sleeping with my arm over my head).  After corrective surgery, energization exercises and then yoga gave me a quick and complete recovery.  The University of California Medical Center in San Francisco (UCSF) is doing research on the condition and treats more people with it than any other medical center in the country. People fly from all over to be treated by them.  The doctor's name is Dr. Eichler, a vascular surgeon.  The team is knowledgeable, skillful and great to work with.

Hope this helps.

Namaste-
Cynthia

I have had no experience with this but in reviewing the medical literature this is a compression of the blood vessels and nerves in the space between the rib cage and the clavicle where these nerves and vessels pass from the neck and chest into the arm.  So there should be no shoulder lifts and no arms overhead.  Physical therapy to stretch the muscles of the chest are a recommended treatment.  The other concern is the compression of vessels and danger of blood clots..you should get a good medical questionnaire and ask if he is on blood thinners.  This is certainly a case where clearance from his MD is in order!

Hope this is helpful.

Mary Jo