Thoracic-Outlet-Obstruction Syndrom (aka Cervical-rib syndrom)

[Jillie]

Cathe,
I was just given this diagnosis yesterday, and not very happy about it, however, since I'am only experencing the numbness and tingling, my doctor has only suggested some stretching exercises. He sent a information sheet about this syndrom, and in it, it states "Avoid straining or heavy activity for 3 months" He believes the cause is either an overdeveloped neck muscle or overextending. I have a similar problem with my knees, "platela ulta" (sp) due to overdeveloped thigh muscles. What causes a muscle to become overdeveloped?? And how can this be treated, and or prevented?

Thank you for your time.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Jillie! I can answer your questions generally, but ultimately, I think you should ask your doctor these exact questions and then also ask him what exercises he recommends to help you once your three month "rest" period is complete. Nobody knows your patient history better than your doctor.

Any muscle that is overdeveloped is many times also inflexible and imbalanced (meaning out of proportion in strength and size compared to its surrounding and or opposing muscles). Being inflexible and or imbalanced can cause structural problems over time. It is usually treated by incorporating stretching into your daily routine as well as incorporating corrective exercises for the imbalance issue. It can be prevented by learning what you have been doing (or not doing) in the past to cause the imbalance and lack of flexibility and of course, make necessary changes. Good luck with everything and be sure to follow doctors orders

 

[Jillie]

Thank you Cathe, for your response. I understand and appriciate you can only answer "medical" type questions "generally". I have discussed these questions with my doctor, but his advice/recommendations were conflicting with the information sheet he sent home with me, meaning he did not tell me to take a 3 month "rest" but advised that I lift lighter, and add more stretching before and after my workouts, which I have started to do, and to my surprise, I haven't had much if any symptoms today. He did recommend, if my symptoms become worse,to contact a chiropractor for a consult, that I would maybe need some chiropractic and or physical therapy. Again, thank you for taking the time to give me your explination of "overdevelopment of muscle" Looks like my next Cathe DVD purchase will be Stretch Max.