Question
Dear Doctor Gold,
I am male, almost 73, generally in excellent health.
Last five years developed pains that start in the
shoulder region come down the arms especially forearms,the backs of both but especialy  of left hand ; in the little, ring and middle fingers. This is constant with ups and down,but less when I am relaxed.It keeps me from going to sleep for an hour or two at night .Although retired I work a full day in office.My doctor describes that what I need is surgery ; "liberation of the flexo-bracquial, both sides. Escalenectomy."
In case the diagnosis is correct, are there alternatives for surgery? Like effective excersise? I have taken most over the counter painkillers without much success. But would try anything new.
Thank you in advance for your help and suggestions,
Respectfully,
Jules van den Broeck

Answer
Dear Jules,

What you have sounds like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Is the correct wording, "liberation of the flexo-bracquial, both sides. Escalenectomy," as you have written?   

Sounds like it must be "liberation of the brachial plexus, scalenectomy," which means freeing of the nerve group that goes to the arms by removing certain muscles of the neck, the scalenes."

If this is what is meant, avoid the procedure.

When the scalene muscles of the neck are very contracted, they squeeze the brachial plexus, a nerve center which sends nerves down the arms.  When the brachial plexus is entrapped, symptoms down the arms result.  So the diagnosis is probably correct; the proposed surgical solution is malpractice.

Rather than cut out the involved muscles, learn to relax them.  The result is entirely sufficient relief.  

That relaxation can be accomplished by somatic training.  I recommend you see one of my colleagues.  Please have them contact me about your case, if necessary.

To locate a practitioner, point and click:  <http://www.somatics.com/page6.htm>.

To learn more about somatic training, point and click <http://www.somatics.com/movement.htm>.

If there's no one nearby, let me know.  Contact me at [email protected].  Also contact me if you want to discuss the matter further.

Lawrence Gold