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Chiropractors/Exercises/Strethes for Vascular TOS
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Question
I have bi-lateral vascular TOS. Sleeping is the worst time for me because I can't get comfortable. Also, swelling in my hands/fingers is bad. I wear compression garments but, is there anything else I should do besides stretching? My spine is very tight, hips are obnoxiously tight, and I literally feel twisted to the right. Would chiropractic care help? Should I be concerned about bloodclots? I'm impinged at my subclavian vein, which also is right next to a lymph duct. ANY help would be appreciated.
Dear Maria,
Chiropractic can help with TOS symptoms if they are being caused when compression around the vascular and neural bundle in the base of the neck or armpit area. Often specific stretches if the scalene and pec musculature as well as lower neck adjustments and extremity adjustments to the SC joint, AC, Joint and clavicle will reduce symptoms. The issues in the pelvis/hips should be amenable to manual chiropractic care and rehab.
However, you do need to be careful about the subclavian vein. How are you impinged there, and what study determined this? Is there a clot inside the vein that was found on imaging? If so, yes this is a big concern, and you should probably not get manual adjustment techniques and only get adjusted with an instrument in that area. If the cause of the TOS is proximal subclavian stenosis (internal reduction of the size of the vessel) then chiropractic may not be able to help you, and you should seek the advise of a vascular surgeon/specialist.
The cause needs to be absolutely determined first. If it is deemed to be musculoskeletal in origin, then I would search the local area and check out a few chiropractic offices. Make sure that you research the doctor's qualifications and ask for a free consult. I would also ask your family and friends for a referral to a chiropractor they trust. Make sure that the chiropractor is made aware of the subclavian vein issue and that he/she has access to all imaging studies you have had performed. They will also need to have your previous medical records to evaluate your case so that they can determine whether or not you are a safe candidate for spinal manipulation...if manual adjustments are not indicated, instrument adjusting can be of great value in helping to reduce pain and increasing function.
Good Luck Maria.
respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for such a quick response to my complicated question. I've set up an appointment with my vascular specialist, and will have the MRA done as soon as possible. They wanted me to have a hypercoagability blood test but, I think it's more important to have an imaging study done first, since my symptoms are consistent with a subclavian vein impingement. I've already had a cervical MRI, as well as x-rays to rule out an extra cervical rib or other spinal problem. Thanks again! | ||
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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
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