Long Thoracic Nerve Injury

Posted by aholzheu @aholzheu, Oct 22, 2021

Trying to find a Dr. that might be able to help me. I injured my long thoracic nerve 3.5 years ago when I fell off a ladder. So far I’ve tried PT, medicines and other things. Nothing has helped. The only option they are giving me is getting a Neural Stimulator which would be a last resort for me. I really don’t want to do that and have to deal with that for the rest of my life.

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Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Oct 23, 2021

@aholzheu - Hello and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I bet that is very uncomfortable. Did they recommend decompression at all?

Here are two articles I think you would be interested in reading.
"Cases of damage to the long thoracic nerve result in a phenomenon known as winged scapula, which is due to paralysis of the serratus anterior or" -- Anatomy, Thorax, Long Thoracic Nerve: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535396/

Long thoracic nerve injury: the shortest route to recovery!: https://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/long-thoracic-nerve-injury-the-shortest-route-to-recovery/

When you say "other things" what all have you tried?

aholzheu | @aholzheu | Oct 23, 2021

In reply to @amandaa "@aholzheu - Hello and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I bet that is very uncomfortable. Did..." + (show)

The nerve isn’t compressed. They did say it’s healed as much as it is going to. I have mild scapula winging and definite weakness of my muscles. Get a lot of muscle pain and muscle spasms. I’ve tried PT, all sorts of medications, tens unit and massage therapy. Nothing helps and when the flare ups are bad it’s excruciating and I’m absolutely miserable. I get really bad headaches with it as well.

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Oct 23, 2021

In reply to @aholzheu "The nerve isn’t compressed. They did say it’s healed as much as it is going to...." + (show)

@aholzheu Has anyone checked you for thoracic outlet syndrome? I have TOS and in physical therapy, we stretch the tight front of my chest and neck and try to strengthen the back to keep the scapulas in place or they do wing out and the shoulder comes forward. It does cause muscular headaches on the back or side of the head. TOS is often missed and it is misunderstood by many doctors. You can find a specialist for this at a teaching medical center that lists TOS as something they treat, usually with physical therapy.

Here are some links to information.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-outlet-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353988
https://mskneurology.com/how-truly-treat-thoracic-outlet-syndrome/

aholzheu | @aholzheu | Oct 23, 2021

In reply to @jenniferhunter "@aholzheu Has anyone checked you for thoracic outlet syndrome? I have TOS and in physical therapy,..." + (show)

My physical therapist did say I have that and tried to fix but it it just kept going back. I would just do normal things like working out, yard work or playing with the kids and it would get flared up and hurting bad.

williamsonj | @williamsonj | Nov 8, 2023

In reply to @aholzheu "The nerve isn’t compressed. They did say it’s healed as much as it is going to...." + (show)

I was recently diagnosed with this and have awful headaches as well. Whats frustrating is that I have been told the headaches are unrelated to this LTN injury but everywhere I read online says headaches are part of it.