Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
So this is a new one to me, and it really is the worst side effect that I have had yet. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). The Subclavius muscle. (muscle that goes from the clavicle to the first rib) is inflamed and pinching a nerve. The doctor and physical therapist have been trying to get it under control. It has been over a month of severe pain, tingling and numbness in my right arm. Apparently this is a fairly common issue with people that suffer from COPD. But not common enough for them to recognize without doing some research.
I am not saying anything against the doctors here. Mostly posting to inform. Before you get an MRI due to pinched nerve symptoms in your arm, it may be beneficial to have the doctor to test for TOS.
I am also curious if anyone has suffered from a similar issue. If so, what helped you the most.
Here is the description that the doctor showed me.
How COPD contributes to clavicle-first rib syndrome
Lung hyperinflation: In COPD, the lungs can become overinflated, causing the rib cage to stay in a more elevated and fixed position.
Altered rib cage mechanics: This elevated rib cage reduces mobility, increases stiffness, and alters the normal movement of the ribs during breathing.
Elevated first rib: The combination of hyperinflation and altered mechanics can cause the first rib to move upward and forward, narrowing the space between it and the clavicle.
Muscle changes: The muscles surrounding the area, such as the scalenes (which connect the neck to the ribs), may hypertrophy (enlarge) due to the strain of forced breathing, further narrowing the passage.
Compression: The increased pressure from the elevated first rib, clavicle, and surrounding muscles can compress the nerves, arteries, and veins that run through this space, leading to TOS symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arm and hand.
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Wow! This is a new one I have never heard of. As if COPD isn't bad enough already to deal with. I am sorry to hear of you having to deal with this. Hopefully your medical team can get it under control for you and ease your pain. There has to be ways to prevent hyperinflation of the lungs that cause this condition. I am going to research this and get more information so maybe I can prevent this from happening to me. Thank you for the heads up! It would be nice to hear from you and how you are progressing. Take care and God Bless!My physical therapist is having me work on strengthening my upper back and shoulder muscles to try to open up the area around my ribs a little more. She pretty much told me it may just be a new norm. However, getting my upper back and shoulder muscles stronger to counteract the strength of the muscles involved in coughing may provide some relief. She thinks that a more balanced muscular structure might help. Primarily the trapezius and several of the minor muscles in the upper shoulders and upper back.
She also highly recommended massage therapy to help prevent my Pectoral Major, Abdominal, Diaphragm, and Intercostal Muscles from suffering from RSI (repetitive strain injury.)
Some of the exercises and stretches that she is having me do are helping. I still have flare-ups very often, but it is not a constant, severe pain like it was before.
I also use a huff cough whenever possible. This helps to prevent the occurrence of reflex coughing. It mostly uses the diaphragm instead of the intercostal muscles, and uses them in a much more controlled way. Plus, it is much better for clearing the mucus from deeper inside my lungs.,
Thank you for the information. I will take it and use it. I do regularly exercise which includes shoulder and upper back exercises. Not because I knew any of this, but because when I lifted weights many years ago for 7 years in my own home gym, those exercises were part of my regular routine. So I kept them up. Might be the reason I have not had those problems arise. Now I will be sure to keep them in my routine. Take care kilgorq and God Bless!
