In my clinical experience, one of the most common patterns that mimics Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is chronic tension in the pectoralis minor muscle. Many individuals are told they need a pectoralis minor resection, yet the underlying problem may be a pattern of muscle guarding rather than a structural disorder. Understanding how guarding develops and how […]
Many individuals experience hand weakness, numbness, or tingling and assume these symptoms must be related to conditions like diabetic neuropathy. In my clinical experience, however, certain patterns of discomfort can resemble this condition even when the source comes from mechanical compression around the thoracic outlet. This article explores a case-style example that illustrates how symptoms […]
Many individuals describe long searches for answers when upper body pain becomes overwhelming. In my clinical experience, people often watch educational videos or patient stories and suddenly recognize symptoms that match their own. This sense of connection is common because the patterns of chronic muscular pain often mimic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in surprising ways. One […]
Many individuals search for answers when symptoms feel confusing, overwhelming, and persistent. In my clinical experience, people often arrive after seeing many clinicians, receiving conflicting explanations, and feeling unsure about why their pain continues. Their stories share similar patterns of frustration, especially when symptoms imitate Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This article explores one such story and […]
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is one of the most confusing conditions in healthcare. People hear different opinions from different doctors, and many don’t know what to believe. Some are told it’s rare. Others are told it’s common. And many walk away without a clear plan. The truth is simple. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can show up in […]
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 […]
In my clinical experience, one of the most misunderstood drivers of chronic neck pain, chronic shoulder pain, and the persistent patterns often mistaken for structural problems is the righting reflex. This reflex is the automatic neurological mechanism the body uses to keep the head level with the horizon. When posture repeatedly triggers this reflex, individuals […]
