How can I tell if my hand tingling & pain is from thorasic outlet or carpel tunell syndrome.?

Have hand pain, tingling, lack of feeling in hands for several years
Have rested my hands, done les activity, no perminent solution
One doctor said I have thoracic outlet syndrome
Another doctor said I have carpel tunnel syndrome
they both want to do surgery
I don't know what to do to get the use of my hands back. I used to play tennis now I can't, I even have trouble writing now.

There's some kind of test in which a doctor can give you mild shocks and stick a needle in at certain points on your arm, for instance, and he can read the electric waves from the nerves in the that area. He can tell if it's coming from the neck, back or if it's carpal tunnel. I've had it done and it sounds a lot worse than it is--and I'm a big baby with stuff like this. I wish I knew the name.

You can try "Phalen's Test" for carpal tunnel. Place the backs of your hands against one another & press (it should look like you are praying, but with your hands reversed). Hold this position for 60 seconds. If your hands begin to hurt (the symptoms you are having return), it is most likel carpal tunnel.

go to the doctor.

usual w/carpal tunell your hand will tigle and go numb on the pinky side...really nothing you can do but surgery....but could be worse with surgery if you develope scar tissue they would have to do surgery again to remove that.

Try going to a chiropractor, they have ways of treating both, unless it has progressed to far. if it is carpal tunnel u can try wrist splints, i would try both before sugary. phalens is a good test, if your palm is affected that nerve goes over the tunnel so i would say TOS, if its just your finger tips more likely Carpal tunn.