Understanding the Roo’s Test The Roo’s Test, also called the Elevated Arm Stress Test, is a simple movement where you lift your arms and open and close your hands. Many people use it as a quick screen for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The goal is to see how fast blood moves into your hands. If […]
In my clinical experience, patterns of upper extremity strain often become more noticeable as daily device use increases. Many individuals spend long hours on computers, tablets, and smartphones, and these habits can load the neck, shoulder, and arm in ways that may contribute to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Simple actions repeated thousands of times each day […]
Patients often focus on the interscalene triangle, where the scalene muscles interact with the first rib. Many individuals describe this area as the primary source of compression in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. However, the anatomy is far more complex than what is commonly discussed. Few understand that the pectoralis minor muscle has the ability to lift […]
When the body leans to one side, the head naturally shifts the opposite way to stay level. This balancing action happens through automatic reflexes that keep your eyes and inner ear aligned with the horizon. In my clinical experience, many individuals do not realize how much work the neck muscles perform during these simple postures. […]
Why Surgery Seemed Like the Only Answer Many people with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are told that surgery will “fix the compression.” They hear that a surgeon will remove a rib or cut a scalene muscle and the tunnel will finally open. When symptoms are painful or scary, it’s easy to believe this is the only […]
Why This Common Stretch Causes Trouble Many people try stretching their necks to ease tightness or nerve irritation. One of the most common movements is the side-bending stretch, where you pull your head toward your shoulder. It seems simple, but for people with a narrowed thoracic outlet, this motion can make symptoms worse. This stretch […]
By Dr James Stoxen DC., FSSEMM (hon) When your hands turn weak, numb, or heavy, it can feel confusing and scary. Many people assume they only have thoracic outlet syndrome, but the truth is that problems in the neck and shoulder can set the stage for issues farther down the arm. One common hidden problem […]
Why So Many People Are Misdiagnosed Every week, patients come into my clinic scared because their MRI shows a “herniated disc.” Many are told this explains all their pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, or arm. But here is the part most people never hear. A herniated disc on an MRI does […]
Understanding the Real Cause of Your Arm and Shoulder Symptoms Many people with arm pain or strange symptoms in their hands are told they have simple muscle tightness, a pinched nerve in the neck, or stress. But Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is more complex than that. TOS happens when nerves and blood vessels are compressed as […]
Why Phone Use Can Lead to Shoulder, Neck, and Arm Symptoms Many people think their phone only strains their eyes. But holding a phone for long periods can change the way your neck, shoulder, and chest muscles work. Over time, these changes can overload the area where the nerves and blood vessels travel from the […]
