Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Direct metabolic conflicts between anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) or neuropathic pain medications (such as gabapentin derivatives) and herbal medicine are rarely reported, so they can generally be safely taken together if you leave a dosing interval of about two hours. Caution is required with anticoagulants such as warfarin, as there is a possibility of interaction with certain herbs that improve blood circulation, so adjustments are made to the prescription composition. Since Western medicine serves to suppress symptoms, do not stop taking it arbitrarily while pain is being controlled; instead, the proper procedure is to discuss dose reduction with the prescribing physician based on the progress of treatment. From the perspective of Korean medicine, painkillers reduce pain signals but cannot resolve the underlying cause of blocked Qi and blood circulation. Since the essence of thoracic outlet syndrome is a state of tightness caused by blocked Qi and blood circulation in the scalene and pectoralis minor muscle areas, Dongjedang employs a strategy of managing acute pain with Western medicine while simultaneously using acupuncture and moxibustion to release muscle tension and adhesions that cause compression. We also combine this with internal herbal medicine treatment to clear accumulated dampness and blood stasis, which are often accumulated due to the nature of the driving profession. When this causal treatment proceeds, dependence on painkillers naturally decreases in many cases. If you bring a photo of the medications you are currently taking during your first consultation, we will carefully check for interactions and design a prescription accordingly.