Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Diagnosis
The thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis is an increasingly popular explanation for upper back and neck symptoms within the
back pain industry.
Thoracic outlet is a relatively new diagnostic theory used to explain neurological pain and structurally-motivated ischemia in the upper back, neck, shoulders and arms. The theory speculates that the scalene muscles clamp down on the nerves of the brachial plexus or sometimes even on the subclavian artery or vein, eliciting potentially terrible symptomatic expressions.The focus of this article will detail the diagnostic process for thoracic outlet pain syndromes.
Structural Diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Most diagnoses of
thoracic outlet syndrome
are theorized to exist based on a physical exam and oral patient history. This is especially true if diagnostic
x-rays
or
MRI
results do not show any positive spinal reasons to explain the symptoms. The patient will typical demonstrate chronically tight upper back and shoulder muscles, but might not provide any additional definitive evidence to support the working theory. Sometimes the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome is made even if a
spinal abnormality
might be the source of the neurological symptoms. The vast majority of TOS conditions are blamed on compression of one or more nerves which make up the
brachial plexus.
Arterial and venous forms of TOS are far less likely to be diagnosed right away and are a less common symptomatic profile, as well. Generally, the pain is blamed on muscular interaction with the neurological structures of the brachial plexus, regardless of whether the patient has endured trauma to the region or not. If venous or arterial compression is suspected, the symptoms of ischemia will be present. Skin discoloration, tingling and numbness may be pieces of evidence used to reinforce this theory of pain.
Ischemic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Diagnosis
Many
misdiagnosed back pain
conditions originally identified as TOS turn out to be nonstructurally-motivated
oxygen deprivation
syndromes instead. This means that there is a reduced blood supply, but not due to any muscular compression, as is the theory in TOS.Unfortunately, it might take the patient many years and a wide range of unsuccessful treatments (or even a
failed back surgery
) to discover this fact. Even worse, many patients never learn the truth about their pain and continue to suffer for decades or even an entire lifetime.
Ischemia
is rarely diagnosed; since the most common psychosomatic form clearly goes against the Cartesian philosophy embraced by most of today’s healthcare workers. This shortsighted thinking is directly responsible for the much of the
back pain epidemic
which is plaguing the medical system all over the world. Luckily, more and more doctors are taking notice of the research supporting nonstructural ischemia as a possible source of symptoms which have been mistakenly diagnosed as a variety of painful conditions over the years.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Diagnosis Advice
It is crucial to trust your
doctor
and abide by their advice. However, you must also take an active role in your own care by learning the facts about TOS and
chronic back pain,
in general. This is especially true for patients who have already been in care for a very long time without finding lasting relief from their misery. If this describes your sad situation, I implore you to get a second or third opinion on your diagnosis. Misdiagnosis is almost always where the problem resides. If you happen to suspect nonstructural oxygen deprivation as the true source of pain rather than muscular compression, then you might want to learn more about
knowledge therapy.
In this case, please read more of the relevant articles on this site or go to your local library to seek out additional information.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Diagnosis to Back Pain
7/29/09 Revised 1/16/12
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