Catch Dr Stoxen's keynote presentation at the World Congress on Rheumatology & Orthopedics, Madrid, Spain, on September 24-25 2018

On September 24-25 2018, Dr James Stoxen DC., FSSEMM (hon) will give the Keynote Presentation: The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, at the World Congress on Rheumatology & Orthopedics, Madrid, Spain, 2018.

World Congress on Rheumatology & Orthopedics <---Link to the Congress

Lecture Abstract

The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

by Dr James Stoxen DC., FSSEMM (hon) FWSSEM

The use of hand held devices (HHD) such as mobile phones, game controls, tablets, portable media players and personal digital assistants have increased dramatically in past decade. This drastic change has led to new batch of difficult to treat, musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities such as myofascial pain syndrome of neck and upper back and thoracic outlet syndrome.

The thoracic outlet anatomy and how the bundle passes through the passageway is complex for even musculoskeletal experts. So for doctors trained in other specialties there can be an inadequate understanding about nature and cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.

A syndrome rather than a disease, the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders And Stroke, plus top 10 ranked hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery agree persistent compression of nerves, arteries and veins traveling through the thoracic outlet is what leads to thoracic outlet syndrome.

I will discuss the three models of human movement, the inverted pendulum model, the spring-mass model and the integrated spring-mass model (ISMM). The (ISMM), which integrates the spring suspension systems of the foot and shoulder region as well as the torsion spring of the spine and the mass, the head. I will discuss my clinical findings show compressive disorders like TOS and herniated discs are merely an over control of tension on the human spring mechanism leading to these syndromes.

I will give brief review of the symptoms and their patterns, the common orthopedic tests, and diagnostic tests, the 16 different common conservative therapies and the 10 reasons for when surgery is medically necessary. I will discuss an alternative treatment for this disorder based on the integrated spring mass model.

For more information about Dr Stoxen and the The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, go to www.DrStoxen.com or www.thoracicoutletsyndrome.com

What is thoracic outlet syndrome?

TOS can be caused by compression of the neck, upper back or rib cage and the shoulder that squeeze the blood vessels and nerves that pass from the chest and neck through the thoracic tunnel into the arm. It’s not an easily treated misaligned neck. It is literally painful, twisting and compression of your entire upper body. 

What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?

The symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome are very similar to that of herniated discs, bulged discs, slipped discs, pinched nerves, shoulder hyperabduction, carpal tunnel, rotator cuff, cubital tunnel, Raynaud's phenomenon, shoulder impingement, lung and spinal tumors, and even muscular sclerosis or muscular dystrophy.

Why do doctors have such a difficult time reversing thoracic outlet syndrome?

What makes things worse is that in the last 30 years, studies confirm that doctor’s knowledge of the basic anatomy has dipped below a safe and acceptable level. Because of this, most doctors cannot do a thorough examination. 

What mistakes do doctors make with the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Confused, they order the MRI. Unfortunately you can’t diagnose or determine the cause of TOS with MRI or any test. What’s worse is that three studies found when pain free volunteers got an MRI, more than 30% of them had herniated discs! If your doctor does unnecessary disc surgery, you will be worse!

Why don’t the typical treatments not work with thoracic outlet syndrome?

There are 16 different treatment approaches mentioned in the literature to treat TOS, such as, painkillers, NSAIDS, scalene injections, Botox injections, stretching, traction, nerve gliding, ultrasound, muscle stimulation, dry needling, supports, ergonomic corrections, first rib and spinal adjustments, massage, stretches and exercises. Which one do you think, by itself, removes the compression that causes TOS? On their own, none of them!

Why does surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome often fail to provide complete relief?

When these conservative treatments fail, is your next step, TOS surgery? In the book the author proves there are 9 muscles that act to compress your outlet. A thoracic outlet syndrome surgery removes only 3 muscles and a rib leaving 6 more muscles that could compress the outlet. Thinking of letting it go and taking meds? Don’t procrastinate! The compression could cause a blood clot that releases as a pulmonary embolism that could kill you.

Why do so many treatment approaches for TOS fail to provide relief?

"I know the treatment approaches used the chiropractor, physical therapist, family doctor, orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon aren't working for your TOS, because they're not working for anyone! It is because they are all based on a severely flawed model of biomechanics that doesn’t even abide by the laws of physics and nature!” Which means they'll never work. Period.”

“I know, that's some pretty strong language but after you read this book you will know it to be the truth. If you were to ask the tens of thousands of doctors and scientists around the world who've evaluated my approach to treating TOS, herniated discs other compressive pain conditions like a human spring, you would find that they agree it is the best approach.”

When you understand his advanced spring model and approach it will help you to sharpen your judgment on what course to take in treatment, exercise and prevention.

For more information please read Dr Stoxen's book, Neck Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Could It Be...Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Its available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JNJTNDW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1540361832&sr=1-1

Go to the TOS BLOG www.thoracicoutletsyndrome.com where you can read more self help articles and watch more video tutorials on how to ease your thoracic outlet syndrome. If you need a second opinion contact me by email me at [email protected] or call me at 312.858.0800

Dr Stoxen's Lectures for 2018

 1.    September 24-25 2018 Keynote Presentation: The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, World Congress on Rheumatology & Orthopedics, Madrid, Spain, 2018

 2.    November 14-16, 2018, Keynote Presentation: The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 4th International Conference on Sports Medicine and Fitness, Edinburgh, Scotland

3.    November 19-20, 2018, Keynote Presentation: Conservative Care Options for Patients With A Failed Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery 2nd International Conference on Surgery and Medicine, Dubai, UAE

 4.    November 19-20, 2018, Case Report: A Patient With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and The Link To Severe Tachycardia. 2nd Global Congress on Medical & Clinical Case Reports, Dubai, UAE

 5.    November 29-30, 2018, Keynote Presentation: The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome European Conference on Orthopedics & Physiotherapy, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dr Stoxen's Lectures for 2019

6.    March 13-14, 2019 - “The integrated spring-mass model approach to thoracic outlet syndrome” 12th International Conference on Osteoporosis, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders, London, UK

7.    May 3-5, 2019 - The Integrated Spring-Mass Model Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, 6th Annual World Congress of Orthopaedics 2019, at the Dalian International Conference Center, Dalian, China