Our Useful Links - Websites, Articles & Polls

[Jo*mar]

Info and Links list-
Self help ideas - nutrition & supplements, walking, some yoga, some pilates, relaxation, hydration-water, posture/body work
{ Alexander , Feldenkrais or Hellerwork types}

Book - Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries- by Sharon Butler has very good stretches for all RSI /TOS with info on posture causes and corrections. She has detailed stretching ideas to gently coax the damaged tissues to release-not to force them. her website: www.selfcare4rsi.com

Pain tracking website- with sign up, set up & then a few clicks, you can log your pain and note causes of such - free basic or paid subscription with more features-
http://www.reliefinsite.com/

TOS info:
http://www.medifocushealth.com/RT017/index.php
http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/thoracic_outlet/
http://tos-syndrome.com/newpage12.htm
http://tos-syndrome.com
http://www.doctorellis.com
http://www.cwce.com/feinbergarticles/tos.htm
http://www.tellmeabouttos.com
http://www.vascularinstitute.com/Resource_TOS.htm
http://drbrantigan.com/about/index.htm
http://www.ecentral.com/members/rsanders/
http://www.thebodyworker.com/thoracicoutletsyndrome.htm
http://www.causeof.org/posture_tos.htm
http://intraspec.ca/tos.php

Hypermobility
http://hypermobility.org/beighton.php

HNPP
http://www.hnpp.org/varieties.htm
http://www.hnpp.org/surgery.htm
http://www.hnpp.org/symptoms.htm

Body charts - for drawing pain & symptom locations
http://www.pt.ahs.chula.ac.th/tesamap_pa2.gif
http://tamijourban.com/wp-content/gallery/biomed001/body_bone_chart.jpg
http://www.kickas.org/images/painmap.gif
http://www.continuingedcourses.net/active/courses/images/course016-body.jpg
http://www.mindbodymedicine.com/images/PainDiagram.jpg

Triggerpoints and referred pain and stretching:
http://www.pressurepointer.com/pain_reference_chart.htm
http://www.triggerpointbook.com/index.html
http://triggerpoints.net/_sgg/m1m1_1.htm
http://altmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa092500a.htm?terms=acupressure+points
http://www.drlowe.com./triggerpoint.htm
http://www.bodymindresources.com/carpalthoracic/carpalthoraciclab.htm
http://www.erikdalton.com/articleduramater.htm
http://deeptissue.com/articles/articles.html
http://www.edgelow.com/
http://www.rossiter.com/aboutus/tellmemorerossiter.asp
http://www.egoscue.com/htdocs/index.asp
http://www.rsirescue.com/
http://www.cascadewellnessclinic.com/tips/00tips/tip0008.html
http://www.purehealthsystems.com/muscle-pain-relief.html
http://www.alaskaelectrolytes.com/
http://www.howibeatrsi.com/
http://www.emofree.com http://www.emofree.com/downloadeftmanual.asp
http://www.trigger-point-injections.com/index.htm

Nerve Glides
http://www.handhealthresources.com/Solutions%20Pages/Exercises.htm
http://www.kineticconditioning.net/Carpal.htm

Myopulse
http://www.drkaslow.com/html/physical_therapy.html
http://www.drkaslow.com/html/our_management_approach.html

Postural work/info
http://www.egoscue.com/global/where_pain.php
http://www.somaticsplus.com/ws2.html
http://www.om-rehab.com/treatments.htm
http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/thoracic-spine.htm
http://www.body-awareness.com/index.htm

Chiropractic care info- a good one can help with many symptoms:
http://www.upcspine.com/self.htm
http://www.uppercervical.org/subpag...b/about_faq.php
http://www.spineuniverse.com/index.html
http://www.coloradochiropractic.org/about_chiropractic/glossary.html

Anatomy info links
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/home_pages/crimando/Tutorial_Small.htm
http://www.gwc.maricopa.edu/class/bio201/muscle/mustut.htm
http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/GrossAnatomy/learnem/learnit.htm
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wnor/homepage.htm
http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=7362&ExhibitKeywordsRaw=&TL=512&A=2
http://www.ptcentral.com/muscles/
http://www.realbodywork.com/
http://www.fleshandbones.com/readingroom/pdf/1097.pdf
http://www.getbodysmart.com/index.htm

ART-active release technique
http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial_s&hl=en&q=ART-active+release+technique&btnG=Google+Search


Electrotherapy TENS/EMS/IF stimulator info
http://www.vitality-web.com/backstore/Muscle-Stimulator.htm
http://www.medi-stim.com/overview.htm
http://www.rehabpub.com/features/82004/3.asp
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/electro/el01.html
http://www.skylarkdevice.com/web-site/ele_thera.htm
http://www.bmls.com/electrodes/epc.php
http://rehabilicare.com/protocol.html

Laser/ Infrared/ far infrared info
http://laser.nu/
http://www.purehealthsystems.com/infrared.html
http://www.purehealthsystems.com/muscle-pain-relief.html
http://www.toolsforwellness.com/far-infrared.html

Possible co conditions - FM & CMPS & RSD
http://www.sover.net/~devstar/
http://www.geocities.com/barmellin/myo.html
http://members.aol.com/fibroworld/mps.htm
http://thyroid.about.com/od/fibromy...instarlanyl.htm
http://www.triggerpoint.fcpages.com/_sgt/f10000.htm
http://www.medicineau.net.au/clinic...Myofascial.html
http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic84.htm
http://www.nfra.net/Diagnost.htm
http://www.fibrohugs.com/
http://www.fmnetnews.com/pages/basics.html
http://hometown.aol.com/fibroworld/index.htm
http://members.aol.com/fibroworld/FMfact.htm
http://home.mn.rr.com/apbiii/fibro-links.html
http://www3.sympatico.ca/jfroache/fms2.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...20607073056.htm
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic790.htm
http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic47.htm
http://www.rsdinfo.com/
http://www.rsdhope.org/ShowPage.asp?PAGE_ID=4
http://www.rsds.org/2/what_is_rsd_crps/index.html

Natural vision improvement
http://www.i-see.org/eyecharts.html
http://www.rebuildyourvision.com/order
http://www.improve-vision.com/

Medical/Wellness/Alternative
http://www.wellnessresources.com/protocols/protocols.htm
http://www.vitamin-insight.com/dietary-supplements/supplements-for-pain-management.aspx
http://www.nwhealthsolutions.com/
http://www.consumerlab.com/
http://www.youngagain.com/wellnesstest.html

http://www.abchomeopathy.com/simplified.php
http://www.hmedicine.com/news/guide/single/singles/all
http://www.webhomeopath.com/en/jsp/login.jsp

http://www.holisticmed.com/www/bodywork.html
http://www.whatreallyworks.co.uk/start/articles.asp?article_ID=253
http://www.wendi.com/html/pain.html
http://www.NationalPainFoundation.org

Drug info and interaction checkers
http://www.drugintel.com/
http://www.drugdigest.org

Online diagnosis help sites
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/
http://www.medical-library.org/mddx_index.htm

Ergonomic info links:
http://www.ergoweb.com/
http://www.working-well.org/index.html
http://www.remedyint.com/ergoanswers/wrist_hand.html
http://www.office-ergo.com/alternat.htm
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoTips2002/workstation/workstationmain.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/
http://hr.blr.com/

voice software
http://ivos.comunx.com/
http://www.talkingdesktop.com/frequent.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/CH063664011033.aspx

Videos -Self Myofascial Release & other therapies
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread78723.html

[Jo*mar]

Disability Issues
(handling disability issues at work) www.cicoach.com
(invisible disabilities site) www.myida.org
(From patient to patient: a survival guide) www.geocities.com/bhchcactus/patient.htm
national list of disability resource centers
(usa) www.virtualcil.net/cils
(Canada) www.cailc.ca/CAILC/text/home_e.html

Worker's Compensation, Social Security, Long Term Disability
(book that explains the calif. work comp law) www.nolo.com/product.cfm/ObjectID/FCA8DD0B-A2D1-42E5-8F4E045364F65F6C/104/
(Lots of article on work comp) www.workinjury.com
(includes summary of changes in new california law) www.socrates.berkeley.edu/~lohp/Projects/Workers__Compensation/workers__compensation.html
(calif. lawyer's QME advice) www.boxerlaw.com/bg04011b.htm
(calif. lawyer's depositon advice) www.boxerlaw.com/bg04006.htm
(cynical advice on IME's) workerscompensation.crystalgravity.com/states/IME.htm
(calif. voters injured at work) www.viaw.org
(calif. attorneys for injuried workers) www.caaa.org
(patient advocate for insurance, medicare, SSA appeals, etc) www.patientadvocate.org
(several articles on legal info. related to LTD insurance) www.silverandtaube.com
(LTD) www.nctrial.com/pdf/Nuts_and_Bolts_of_ERISA_Disability_Claims.pdf

RSI information sites and RSI links
www.tifaq.com
www.RSIHelp.com
www.eeshop.unl.edu/rsi.html
www.rsiprogram.com
www.geocities.com/la_rsi
http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/repetitive_stress.shtml

Chronic Pain Resources
(great handbook on pain and common treatments)www.lifeinpain.com/book/print/10
(great list of popular and medical books on pain) www.noigroup.com/booklist.html
(lots of self help articles on dealing with pain) www.painsupport.co.uk
(an osteopath's view of a number of conditions) www.painrecoveryonline.com
(pain and the law)
www.painandthelaw.org/intro/index.php
www.partnersagainstpain.com
www.painconnection.org
www.NationalPainFoundation.org
(collection of links) www.members.tripod.com/~Catnip100/LINKS.html

Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
(RSD and RSI) www.ctdrn.org/rsinet/archive/rsinet36-mar99.html
(what is RSD and other RSD questions) www.rsdrx.com/rsdpuz4.0/001.htm
(mayo clinic treatment algorithm, Feb 2002) www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/inside.asp?AID=39&UID=
www.acofp.org/member_publications/canov_02.html#
www.rsdhope.org
www.rsdsa-ca.org

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
www.healthpages.org/AHP/LIBRARY/HLTHTOP/CTD/tos.htm
www.thebodyworker.com/thoracicoutletsyndrome.htm
www.spinalinjuryfoundation.org/101_new/tos.htm

specialized imaging tests for TOS
www.raytel.com/content.asp?CategoryID=10&CurrentID=71
www.rsiprogram.com/articles/collins.htm
www.neurography.com
www.gehealthcare.com/rad/ct/products/light_series/ultra/

General Medical Sites Anatomy
(muscles) www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/GrossAnatomy/dissector/mml/index.htm
(muscles) www.teleemg.com/new/musqa.htm
(perhiperal nerves)http://www.teleemg.com/new/pnsqa.htm
(nerve entrapments) www.teleemg.com/new/layarmleg.htm

Medical Research Sites
(free comprehensive database of summaries of medical research) www.Pubmed.org
(service to order medical journal articles) www.mountzion.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/library/loandoc.html
(list of medical libraries open to the public) www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html
(selected medical journal articles) www.medscape.com

[DDayMBB]

Jo must say you have an amazing list going so far ;) great seeing you around

[Bobbi]

Oops, it was late when I posted and I should have posted the following in this thread:

http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=161

[dawn3063]

Phrenic Nerve
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrenic_nerve
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gray806.png

Brachial Plexus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachial_plexus
http://www.dellonipns.com/brachial_plexus_compression_pg.php#
http://www.backpain-guide.com/Chapter_Fig_folders/Ch08_Congen_Folder/Ch08_Images/08-7_Vert_NumbAbn.jpg

Thorasic Outlet Syndrome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_Outlet_Syndrome
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_outlet_syndrome
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2774.htm

X-ray of extra cervical rib
http://www.gfmer.ch/genetic_diseases_v2/gendis_detail_list.php?cat3=466

[Jo*mar]

Pain help Book

The Pain Cure
by Dharma Singh Khalsa , MD with Cameron Stauth
The proven Medical Program that helps end your Chronic Pain

What i read so far is about different levels of chronic pain and how it creates it's own cycle in the brain, spasms, referred pain- like headaches,TMJ, sinus problems ect.

Pg 33- "chronic pain syndrome is characterized by physical inactivity, inadequet sleep, depression, poor nutrition, fear, anxiety, reliance on medications, and mental lethargy...."these traits are almost certain to lock in- and amplify- pain signals that have become engraved upon the nervous system."

She advocates nutritional therapy, physical therapy, medication changes{ to natural,homeopathic and herbs}and mental and spiritual pain control

[Jo*mar]

usefull sites - flights, rooms ect

http://forums.braintalk2.org/showthread.php?t=4010

[Jo*mar]

http://www.handhealthresources.com/Solutions%20Pages/Exercises.htm

see the link for the photos & explore the whole site.

from the link -
[If you are experiencing nerve symptoms, these exercises to glide (or slide, or pump) the nerves are critical. In fact, in one study, the chances of avoiding surgery improved dramatically when nerve glides were added to the therapy program.

It is very important not to over-stretch the nerve while exercising or you will create symptoms. Perform these exercises at a quiet time when you can pay close attention to the signals from your body. Feeling some tension is good but do not stretch to the point that you feel pain or numbness. You may feel tension anywhere along the nerve pathway, sometimes at quite a distance from the site of pain. I've had clients feel tension in their arms, shoulders, neck, even chest and back!

I teach clients to gently "pump" the nerve so that it is carefully teased out of adhesions. Some therapists instruct their clients in a sustained hold of 10 seconds. Try it both ways and see which feels better for you.
* Median Nerve Glide (the carpal tunnel nerve)


o Sweep your arm out to the side until it is slightly behind you, palm facing forward, elbow gently straight
o Pull your wrist back until you feel a gently tension somewhere in the arm
o Relax the wrist forward until tension is relieved
o Repeat 10 times


o Ease the tension on the wrist to about half
o Holding this position, gently raise your arm until you feel tension (stay below shoulder height)
o Lower the arm until tension is relieved
o Repeat 10 times


o Ease the tension on the arm to about half
o Tilt your head (bring opposite ear towards opposite shoulder) until you feel tension
o Straighten the neck until tension is relieved
o Repeat 10 times



* Ulnar Nerve Glide (the funny bone nerve)


o Place your arm out to your side with the wrist pulled back as if you are saying "stop"
o Bring your fingers toward your ear as if to cup the ear with the palm, fingers pointing to the shoulder. Stop when you feel a gentle tension.
o Bring your hand back out to the side until tension is relieved
o Repeat 10 times.

As an alternative:
o Hold your arm out to the side, elbow straight, fingers gently curved but not in a fist
o Rotate your arm fully until the palm is up.
o Gently tilt your head (bring opposite ear towards opposite shoulder) until you feel tension
o Straighten the neck until tension is relieved
o Repeat 10 times


* Radial Nerve Glide (the back of the hand nerve)
o Place your hand at your side with the back of the hand facing forward
o Push your shoulder down towards the floor (the movement comes from the shoulder, do not lean)
o Bend your wrist toward the palm until you are in the "waiter's tip" position (as if you are a waiter unobtrusively taking a tip)
o Move your arm back behind you and up at a slight angle to the side until you feel tension
o If you feel as if you need more stretch, gently tilt your head (bring oppositie ear towards opposite shoulder) until you feel tension
o Straight the head or move the arm back down until tension is relieved
o Repeat 10 times



These nerve glides deserve a repeat of the previous cautions. Stretch only until you feel a gentle tension. Avoid pain. Perform in a quiet environment and listen carefully to your body's feedback while performing.]

OK now I'm not so frustrated cause I found something about it!
yeah!!!

another link with photos too-
http://www.kineticconditioning.net/Carpal.htm

[hairdresser]

http://www.ctsnet.org/doc/7628

http://google.ctsnet.org/search?q=thoracic+outlet+syndrome&btnG=CTSNet+Search&entqr=0&ud=1&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&output=xml_no_dtd&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&client=default_frontend&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&site=default_collection

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=ccohs.ca%2Foshanswers%2Fdiseases%2Fthoracic&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.caep.ca/template.asp?id=3082D6FBCA1D4C629BF88A2FA15CA1F1tt p://thoracicoutlet.ca/

[firemonkey]

http://www.doaj.org/

[Gromlily]

http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic136.htm

[DiMarie]

But for new folks they are good shots of the anatomy of what is going on.
Di

The thoracic outlet is a tiny space behind the collar bone in front of the first rib, the major neurological and vascular bundles pass through here; if you have c-ribs, then that space is even more resticted. It is pressing on the nerves that travel to the fingers.
http://courses.washington.edu/hubio553/atlas/images/111.jpg
http://intraspec.ca/images/brachialplexus_AliceRoberts.jpg
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/15/brachial_plex_how_to.pdf
http://www.drnathbrachialplexus.com/images/photos/brachial_plexus_diagram_small.jpg
http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/images/big_slides/bplexusinn_f.jpg
http://intraspec.ca/images/brachialplexus.jpg
http://www.bartleby.com/107/Images/large/image808.gif
http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/images/big_slides/bplexinn_b.jpg
http://www.dynomed.com/encyclopedia/encyclopedia/upload/shoulder_images/thoracic_outlet_syndrome/thoracic_outlet_syndrome.jpg

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Causes Symptoms Treatment

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) results from a compression of the nerves that pass into the arms from the neck (brachial plexus). The corridor through the area between the neck and the armpit (thoracic outlet) is narrowed causing the compression. This compression causes pain in the shoulder, arm or hand or some combination of the three.

This condition is difficult to diagnose and many times, the doctor will need to rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis.

Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
In many cases, no specific cause of TOS is found. However, any other condition, which results in growth or movement of the tissues near the thoracic outlet, can cause the syndrome to form. Examples of other conditions includes:


Muscle enlargement
Injuries to the area
Extra rib from the neck at birth (cervical rib)
Large callus from a healed clavicle fracture in an adult
Tumors at the upper part of the lung
Poor posture, especially in women with large breasts

An injury to the thoracic area may cause scar tissue to develop during the healing process. This scar tissue may lead to a compression of the nerves and blood vessels. Repetitive activities can also cause compression, especially activities that put the arms overhead. Slouching and dropping the shoulders is thought to be a common cause. This movement leads to tension in the muscles at the side of the neck and can constrict the nerves and arteries of the thoracic outlet.

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of TOS are:


Neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain
Poor circulation to the extremities
Weakness, numbness and fatigue in the arm and hand

The symptoms of TOS can appear to be other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. Herniated disks in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis of the shoulder all have similar symptoms.

In order to correctly diagnose the condition, electrical tests of the nerves in the arm may be ordered by your doctor. These tests will attempt to determine where and how the nerves in your arm are being squeezed. There are other tests used to determine whether or not the blood vessels are also being squeezed. Your doctor may also perform an x-ray of your chest to determine if there is an extra cervical rib causing the symptoms.


http://intraspec.ca/tos.php#Definition

[Jo*mar]

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=12415
the link is to a thread on the forum

[gibbrn]

I have a copy of sharon butlers work if you need it....I will need to dig it out so if you do want it I will need time to search for it but think I know where it is.......
Victoria:winky:

[HopeLivesHere]

www.theacpa.org/documents/ACP...07%20Final.pdf

You'll need adobe to read this, but it includes the best information I've ever seen on medications that can possibly be used for RSD & TOS
All the best to you...Hope

another link- the above didn't work for me
http://www.theacpa.org/documents/ACPA%20Meds%202007%20Final.pdf

[Jo*mar]

http://www.healthsquare.com/drugmain.htm

http://www.drugs.com/

http://gsm.about.com/interact/inter.asp

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/drugdb/drugSearch.jsp

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html

[Jo*mar]

TOS surgery & results http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?p=85990#post85990

how did you get TOS?
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=13272&highlight=poll

TOS Surgery and therapy info
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=9695&highlight=poll

Surgical, Injections or Conservative: Unsuccessful only please
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=30

[Jo*mar]

TOS surgery: long-term functional results and other related topics
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=17275

Article on TOS and Chiropractic {thread}
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?p=139035&posted=1#post139035

Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome and other articles from Chiroweb
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=16671


video link of Foam Therapy Roll = use & techniques-
the final part is what the adv PT suggested for me to do opens chest/pecs and drops shoulders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pQkgyYeV30

other therapy videos- explore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAjIHzX8GVI&mode=related&search=

another videos thread-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=78723&highlight=videos


Our symptoms listed-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=5618

Our Top 5 symptoms listed -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?p=184123#post184123

[hairdresser]

http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/MyTreatment/articles/ThoracicOutletSyndrome_Diagnosis.asp

[Jo*mar]

ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, we can help you locate the companies that do
http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19337

[hairdresser]

Screening and diagnosis
Diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome can be difficult because the symptoms and severity of the symptoms can vary greatly among people with the disorder.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/DS00800/DSECTION=5

[hairdresser]

The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Annie S. Dubuisson, MD
Department of Neurosurgery, CHU Liege, Belgium
(Dr. Dubuisson was a peripheral nerve fellow at LSUMC)


Abstract:
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is due to compression/irritation of brachial plexus (BP) elements ("neurogenic TOS") and/or subclavian vessels ("vascular TOS") in their passage from the cervical area toward the axilla. The usual site of entrapment is the interscalenic triangle. TOS is a source of disagreement among clinicians regarding its incidence, diagnostic criteria and optimal treatment. Constitutional factors, like a cervical rib, predispose to the development of TOS. The syndrome often develops during the 3rd or 4th decade, following external factors such as trauma, weight excess, incorrect shoulder posture.






http://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/Neurosurgery/nervecenter/TOS.html

[hairdresser]

http://www.emedicine.com/sports/images/84611-94387-259.jpg

[hairdresser]

:winky:\

There are also four confounding aspects of TOS that need explanation and understanding. Not all of these features will necessarily be represented in all patients.

Regional Myofascial Pain
First, as on pp 201 of my 1991 article (Appendix 2), you will see references to muscle spasms in the region of the thoracic outlet. The commonest muscles involved in this process are the scalene muscles, pectoralis minor, trapezius, levator scapulae, and the para cervical muscles posteriorly. We often refer to this as a regional myo-fascial pain syndrome. How it relates to TOS remains unclear, but myo-fascial pain becomes a significant part of the whole when assessing patients with TOS. http://thoracicoutlet.ca/aspects.cfm

[fern]

http://rsirescue.com/articles/collins.htm

this is a very informative page that a "sorehander" developed. it illustrates how TOS can be shown in Dr Collins' mri/a

i'm not sure if this is already part of the stickies. if so we can delete

[Jo*mar]

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=29324

[Jo*mar]

Medical Testing info pages-
http://cclnprod.cc.nih.gov/dlm/testguide.nsf/Index?OpenForm

[Jo*mar]

Muscles of the Appendicular Skeleton I

I. Muscles Stabilizing and Moving the Shoulder Girdle


http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~uzwiak/AnatPhys/APFallLect15.html

[ocgirl]

PHYSICAL THERAPY RECOMMENDED BY DR SANDERS FOR TOS
This info was given to a patient who visited him for a consultation.
His book was already going into print and this info was an add on.
__________________________________________________ ________
"The initial treatment of TOS is certain types {or modalities} of physical therapy {PT}. Over the last few years, we have learned that a few modalities of PT are effective, while MANY OTHER modalities are ineffective or can make the symptoms WORSE. The recommendations below are based on the experience of OVER 1000 patients who have received therapy for TOS.
RECOMMENDED MODALITIES:

1.) Neck stretching exercises. Holding each stretch a minimum of 15-20 seconds, using your hands to help hold the head in the stretched position, and NOT trying to stretch through severe pain. If a stretch HURTS, reduce that range of stretch. Do NO MORE than 3 repetitions at one sitting; do this 2-4 times a day or more.

The 2 positions that are useful for TOS are:
1) Neck rotation and
2) Head tilting.

2.) Posture correction. Proper posture for people with TOS includes:
1) Head back,
2) Chin down and,
3) Shoulders relaxed in a neutral position, NOT STRETCHED BACK SO THAT THE SHOULDER BLADES APPROACH EACH OTHER, This position should be maintained as much of the time as possible when standing an sitting.

3.) Abdominal breathing: Practice this lying flat on your back on the floor.

4.) Nerve glides.

5.) Feldenkrais method. This is a total body approach of slow gentle movements of arms and spine with an emphasis on learning what motions bring on symptoms in your body and developing ways to avoid these motions. There is a national registry of Feldenkrais practitioners across the United States and practitioners in your area can be found on the Internet by looking up: www.feldenkrais.com (http://www.feldenkrais.com/)

MODALITIES THAT OFTEN DON'T WORK AND CAN MAKE SYMPTOMS WORSE:
1. Strengthening exercises
2. Theraband use
3. Resistance exercises with machines
4. Neck traction
5. Exercises with weights
6. The concept of "No pain - No Gain"

The above are guidelines that have been effective in TOS patients. They will work for many people, but not everyone. Additional modalities of PT are indicated for other conditions that accompany TOS, such as fibromyalgia, shoulder tendinitis, cervical spine strain, and others.

Therapy must be individualized and it is best carried out with the guidance of a physical therapist plus additional training in the Feldenkrais method, usually with a different therapist.

Much more information about TOS can be found in the book, "Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - A Common Sequela of Neck Injuries", by Dr. Richard Sanders. The book describes the causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, treatment, results and complications of treatment, and other aspects of TOS.

[Jo*mar]

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/calendar.php?s=&month=1&year=2008&do=&c=2

[Jo*mar]

CTOS info
http://www.geocities.com/cerebellartos/CTOSenglish.html

[Neck and Brain Vascular Transitory Compression Causing Neurological Complications

SUMMARY: This article describes our experience with the surgical treatment of over 1.300 Cerebellar Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (CTOS) patients who had associated neurological lesions as a result of hypo perfusion and hypo metabolism in certain area of the brain and cerebellum. Chronic hypoxia was found to produce neurological syndromes such as Symptomatic Parkinson's disease (SPD), Chorea, Ballism and Athetosis. The surgical technique was found to have excellent results in 96% of CTOS patients. In a follow-up study of patients with CTOS/SPD, 90.6% of the symptoms suffered by the patients, were eliminated or showed improvement after surgery. No improvement was shown in 9,4% of the operated patients.

This article describes the role of compression over the vertebral arteries, subclavial, internal mammary, internal carotids, brachial plexus arteries, the coil and kink of the vertebral and basilar arteries in the lack of blood irrigation and oxygen to the brain, cerebellum and to the basal ganglias of the brain. This chronic hypoxia produces different results, depending on the area of the brain and cerebellum affected. When the chronic hypoxia affects the basal ganglia in putamen, a decrease in the dopamine production takes place, causing symptoms of Symptomatic Parkinson's disease. When the hypoxia affects the caudate nucleus, Chorea symptoms arise; when it affects the thalamus or hypothalamus, ballism occurs and when it affects the lenticular nucleus, athetosis occurs. This compression can be caused by the anterior scalene muscles and the cervical ribs at the level of vertebrae C6-C7, by the sternocleido-mastoideo muscles at the level of the Atlas; by the minor pectoral muscles (steal syndrome) over the subclavial arteries and by the coil and kink of the vertebral arteries as congenital cause.
The lack of blood irrigation to the cerebellum, to the basal ganglias and to the brain, are the cause of Cerebellar Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (CTOS) and its neurological complications, among which are: ipsilateral paralysis, Symptomatic Parkinson's disease, functional Alzheimer's disease and others. At the moment we are conducting several studies to extend our understanding of this phenomenon.
]

later updated and renamed: Cerebral Thoracic Neurovascular Syndrome (CTNVS).

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11887092

[Jo*mar]

Curious posted this on another forum but I thought it might be good here too.

Directory of State Medical Boards
here is link that gives you all the states sites:

http://www.fsmb.org/directory_smb.html#b3

[Jo*mar]

Are you In a crisis? call for help!
Coping with a Crisis

If you need immediate help or if you are having thoughts of death or suicide, call
1-800-273-TALK or if you need immediate assistance call 911
or go to a hospital emergency room.

What if I am feeling suicidal?

Remember:
Suicidal thoughts are temporary. Suicide is permanent. Don’t give in to suicidal thoughts— you can overcome them.

Your feelings of hopelessness are not the truth. When you feel this way, it’s your illness talking— your mind is lying to you. Remind yourself that suicidal thoughts are not reality.
If you are thinking of suicide, it is important to recognize these thoughts for what they are: expressions of a treatable medical illness. They are not true and they are not your fault. Don’t let fear, shame or embarrassment stand in the way of communication with your physician, therapist, family, or friends; tell someone right away.
Tell a trusted family member, friend, or other support person, someone you can talk with honestly. Try not to be alone when you feel this way. This may mean sitting quietly with a family member or friend, going to a support group or going to a hospital.
Get help. Tell your health care professional. Suicidal thinking can be treated. When suicidal thoughts occur, they are your signal that, more than ever, you need help from a professional.
Know that you can get through this. Promise yourself you will hold on for another day, hour, minute, or whatever you can manage.
If you are feeling "out of control", it's important to seek help immediately---even if you are not having suicidal thoughts.

How can I be prepared for a crisis?

Often, crises happen without warning, and the best thing you can do to prepare yourself is to make a crisis-plan list for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This list should be shared with everyone you choose. Briefly describe the kind of help you (or your loved one) would like to receive if you have severe depressive or manic symptoms.
Include:

* Doctor(s)’ name(s) and contact information
* Contact information of support group and other trusted friends/family members
* Other health problems and medications
* Allergies to/intolerance of any medication
* Insurance or Medicaid information and preferred treatment facilities
* Things that might trigger an episode, such as life events, travel, physical illness or work stress
* Warning signs such as talking very fast, paranoia, lack of sleep, slowed down movement, excessive alcohol or drug use
* Things people can say that are calming and reassuring
* Things people should do in crisis such as take away car keys and lock up anything dangerous such as weapons and medications
* Things emergency staff can do, such as explain things, talk slowly, observe personal space, or write things
* Reasons life is worthwhile and recovery is important

How should I talk to a person in crisis?

* Stay calm. Talk slowly and use reassuring tones.
* Realize you may have trouble communicating with your loved one. Ask simple questions. Repeat them if necessary, using the same words each time.
* Don’t take your loved one’s actions or hurtful words personally.
* Say, “I’m here. I care. I want to help. How can I help you?”
* Don’t say, “Snap out of it,” “Get over it,” or “Stop acting crazy.”
* Don’t handle the crisis alone. Call family, friends, neighbors, people from your place of worship or people from a local support group to help you.
* Don’t threaten to call 911 unless you intend to. When you call 911, police and/or an ambulance are likely to come to your house. This may make your loved one more upset, so use 911 only when you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Hotline information

Suicide prevention information
Find a treatment facility

Find a mental health professional
Learn about creating an advance directive

Hotline Numbers and Information.
Phone numbers-

1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255

1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433

Deaf Hotline for TTY users -
1-800-799-4TTY
1-800-799-4889

Teen Hotline-
1-888-747-TEEN
1-888-747-8336

Canadian numbers are listed by Province on this site-
http://suicidehotlines.com/canada.html

Other International hotlines are listed by country on this site-
http://suicidehotlines.com/international.html

Websites-

http://suicidehotlines.com/

http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html

Information - courtesy of members on our other forums.

[Jo*mar]

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q219/turbojo84/subluxation-chart-1.gif
If you can't read it - save it to your computer and you can make it larger with image viewing .

http://www.pictureofhealthchiro.com/images/subluxation-chart.gif

[thursday]

This is a link to articles written by a San Francisco Feldenkrais practitioner by the name Cliff Smyth.

One particularly great article for us TOS/RSI people is pasted below
Repetitive Strain Injuries and the Feldenkrais Method
By Cliff Smyth

The way we take action in the world affects our lives in significant and profound ways. Our habits can include the ability to move with great ease and comfort. Unfortunately, our habitual patterns of movement and perception can also lead to injury and pain. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can seen from this perspective: as the result of accumulated injury and pain arising from the kinds of movements required of us in our lives - along with the way we make those movements. Thinking in this way about these kinds of injuries also offers hope for successful prevention and rehabilitation. The Feldenkrais Method can help us become more aware and improve the ways we act in the world

In this paper I will review what repetitive strain injuries are, how they are described and thought to come about, and then how the Feldenkrais Method can help us to prevent and recover from these kinds of injuries.

What is RSI? Repetitive Strain Injuries are commonly experienced as aching, pain, fatigue or heaviness, coldness, weakness, numbness and tingling and loss of propriocetion (sense of the part of the body in space) in the hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and neck. They are usually associated with activities that involve repetitive movements such as keyboarding, use of hand tools (scissors, knives, pliers, wire cutters, etc), assembly, production or processing work - including word processing. They can also occur in the feet and legs (eg. among athletes and people using equipment with foot pedals).

RSI is sometimes also referred to by generic names such as RMSs (repetitive motion syndromes), CTDs (cumulative trauma disorders) and OOS (occupational overuse syndrome). Such descriptions of work-related syndromes were common in Australia and Sweden in the 1970's and 1980's. Or they can be described in terms of specific medical diagnoses, including: soft tissue injuries (tendonitis, tenosynovitis and bursitis), neuro-vascular syndromes (carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, cervico-brachial syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome), muscle strain and fatigue, etc. These kinds of descriptions are more favored in the USA.

These injuries are commonly described in terms of:

* wear and tear to soft tissues such as tendons and tendon sheaths, ligaments, etc. leading to chronic inflammation of the tissues
* impingement and compression of nerves and blood vessels by tight muscles, inflamed tendon or joint spaces (eg. the carpal tunnel), between bony structures, etc.
* disruption to the neurological control of movements, eg. focal dystonia of the hand (FDh)
* muscular fatigue (where the electrical firing of muscles quickly becomes less strong or even unavailable)
* chronic pain syndromes.

In reality several of these conditions may well be occurring at the same time in someone suffering from these kinds of injuries.


see full article here-
http://www.feldenkraissf.com/repetitivestrain&feldenkraismethod.cfm

[thursday]

Just ran across a woman's video blog about her TOS surgery and its uplifting!! If you want to hear some optimisim please check it out :D
http://www.youtube.com/user/CrazyJ720
Videos include "Surgery Blogs" pts 1 & 2 then "My TOS Story" pts 1 & 2

[thursday]

Just ran across a UCLA site on TOS. ITs great :) Defines it, goes over diagonosing, treatment, surgery, recovery. Its a quick yet thourough rundown, like Cliff's Notes!! :P
http://www.surgery.ucla.edu/vascular/Clinical_Thoracic%20Outlet%20Syndrome.shtml (http://www.surgery.ucla.edu/vascular/Clinical_Thoracic%20Outlet%20Syndrome.shtml)

[thursday]

Here's what I've had delivered w/ their web addresses in order: best to worst of what I deem most useful to us TOS-ers
Support Plus Pretty awesome :D www.supportplus.com (http://www.supportplus.com)

Dynamic Living Also great www.dynamic-living.com (http://www.dynamic-living.com)

Office Ergonomics Computer help www.ergobilities.com (http://www.ergobilities.com)

Functional Solutions Pretty much covers all physical limitations, as in: something for everyone www.beabletodo.com (http://www.beabletodo.com)

Easier Living Good for rollator walkers/ carts and some ergo-utensils www.easierliving.com (http://www.easierliving.com)

AbleWare Really for people with mobility challenges. But a couple of ergo-utensils
http://service.maddak.com/

[thursday]

Sammons Preston Enrichments It good, but you have to search for the RSI products. Pretty much covers all physical limitations, as in: something for everyone www.sammonspreston.com (http://www.sammonspreston.com)

[(Broken Wings)]

Wow!

This is great help. Can't wait to get time to get through all that I see here.

Thanks
(Broken Wings)

[Jo*mar]

Excellent Pain Resource

A PDF about Intractable pain.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post553124-1.html