The condition: lower neck pain with numbness and tingling to the arm and hand

67-year-old male presents with pain and stiffness in the right lower cervical region with frequent numbness and tingling into his hand. This condition has been ongoing for nearly six months and now getting worse. He stated when he raises his hand overhead, he feels a warm sensation in his arm and sometimes loses feeling. He has brought to this to the attention of his doctor, but no helpful recommendations were given. He stated he finds it difficult to sleep often being awakened by the numbness in his hand. He is also having trouble turning his head from side to side and feels general tightness around his right shoulder.

The diagnosis:

My examination confirmed a diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and compression of the Brachial Plexus (the network of nerves and vascular structures that travel from the neck area down the arm). The direct cause of the pressure was a combination of T1 and the first rib misalignment, poor posture resulting in shortened and extremely tight pectoralis muscles.

The treatment:

Treatment consisted of manual manipulation of T1 and associated rib. Deep muscle stretching using theragun, Russian stimulation with therabands to regain strength in the arm musculature, cupping in the trapezius and rhomboids areas. This occurred for 6 visits.

The result:

50 % improvement after the first visit and gradual improvement over 4 weeks totaling the 6 visits eventually to full resolution.