Thoracic Outlet Syndrome treatments(HELP)?

I have thoracic outlet syndrome, it took the doctors 2 years to figure out what it was. I have tried physical therapy and massage therapy and going to the chiropractor everday. With no relief I have had to stop doing all the things that I loved so much before this problem came about...riding quads, jet skiing, hiking, swmming, and anything else that is fun. Now it is getting progrssively worse...my fingers are going numb and cold more often and the thought of getting out of bed in the morning sometimes makes me cry because of the pain. I have finally had it! I need to find a solution to my problem. I have been talking with my doctor about treatments. Neurolesion was one of them (shots in my back muscles) but I am affraid of needles... or surgery (to remove my extra rib on my right and left sides) I am terrified of that too. So I am wondering who out there has ever had any of these treaments and how they went. Anyone with any advice, PLEASE tell me!!

Sometimes, one's pathology outwieghs what can be fixed conservatively. If your TOS is being caused by an obstructive process such as the cervical rib, no amount of PT, chiropractic care, shots or medication will permanently relieve the situation since the obstruction still remains.

If your cervical rib has been CONFIRMED to be the ACTUAL cause of your symptoms, surgery may be your best option, but be sure to get an orthopedist that specializes in this type of procedure. Preferrably, someone with a good reputation at a teaching hospital.

i don't have thoracic outlet syndrome, but i found an article that might help you get through it:

http://www.hanson.net/site/hanson/blog_e...

sometimes it just helps to know someone else is going through the same thing you are.

Look around and see if you can locate a Class or Group of people who do Pilate's exercise. If you can join, do and give this type of specific exercise a go. It will strengthen the muscles, teach you about breathing, posture and you will fine relief. I have RA and spine problems, Pilate's has really assisted with controlling the pain and now I am off on a nice three mile walk.