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Chiropractors/Adson's Test
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Question
My husband recently had this test and was found to not have a pulse in either wrist when his hands were raised above is head. I understand this is extremely rare to occur on both sides. I have done some searching but have found myself kind of lost. Can you recommend a search or site to find some information on this?
Thank you for your time.
Sheila
Sheila,
If your husband has no symptoms in the arms/hands such as pain or numbness, and he only loses his pulses when his hands are overhead, then that does not necessarily indicate a medical problem. It is not rare to have a loss of the radial pulse in both arms when they are overhead.
Adson's test involves raising the whole arm overhead while feeling the pulse, and then having the patient turn the head to the same side and take a deep breath (and hold breath). It is a "positive" test when two things occur: 1) the pulse is lost and 2)arm/hand symptoms are produced, such as pain, tingling, numbness, etc. It is a sign of very tight muscles in the front of the neck, or an extra bone (e.g. extra rib), that compresses the blood vessels and nerves that pass through. This neck region is called the thoracic outlet. It is an outlet for these blood vessels (the subclavian artery) and nerves (the brachial plexus). You likely can find a lot of information by "googling" Adson's test.
'Hope this was helpful,
Dr. G
www.drgillman.com
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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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