Question
Hi i am 14 years old, and I am a swimmer.  Two years ago i got this right arm pain, like in my tricep, at about the end of practice and it wasn't to bad.  2 years later and the pain is in my tricep and bicep, i get pain near what i think is the collar bone, like below it, my whole arm goes numb, pinky and ring finger go numb, and my thumb goes numb.  I then will get stabbing pin pricks.    And all this after only swimming 2 laps.  It also gets affected when i hold my right arm above my head or out and am caring something heavy and hold it out.  My arms get very weak when this happens.  We went to physical therapy for it but it did not help and she recommended a chiropractor guy i guess.  I also feel like this pain in my shoulder blades, and I have to actually crack my shoulder blades now?   The pain is very severe in my arm.
And well i guess my question is what do you think it could be?  Ive heard of thoratic outlet syndrome?  I just don't know what a chiropractor would do, because don't they just crack stuff?  Or can they take x-rays and mri's and do they do all the stuff doctors do?  
Thank you!
Kristin

Answer
Hi Kristin,

Yes, it sure does sound like thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS).  It also could be a shoulder girdle problem, involving how your neck, upper back, and shoulder blade function.  This problem will worsen TOS, too.   Surely, there are some chiropractors that "just crack stuff" and others that cover the entire spectrum of treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions.   Go to www.acbsp.com and look at what sports chiropractors have to offer.   See if there is a DACBSP in your neighborhood.  Also check out www.westhartfordgroup.com since its members are top notch doctors.    You can look at the videos on my web site: www.drgillman.com to see that we don't just crack stuff...(see the video on the swimmer);    What you have is treatable.   An astute doctor of chiropractic will be able to diagnosis your condition and provide the right treatment.  

'Hope this helps,

Dr. G