Thoracic Outlet Syndrome arises when the nerves or blood vessels between your collarbone and first rib become compressed. That small space, the thoracic outlet, can become tight or crowded from muscle changes, injury, poor posture, or even repetitive motion. The pressure involved may cause pain, tingling, or weakness in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
There are three major types of TOS, based on what's being compressed:
- Neurogenic TOS: This is the most common type. It affects the nerves that control your arm and hand. You may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Venous TOS: This affects the big vein carrying blood from your arm to your heart. It causes swelling in the arm, a sensation of heaviness, or skin that looks bluish.
- Arterial TOS: This is the rarest type. It affects the artery that sends blood from your heart to your arm. You might notice that your arm feels cold, pale, or painful.
Common Causes
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be caused by:
- Poor posture or slouching where the space around your collarbone narrows
- Injury following a road traffic accident or a fall
- Repetitive overhead motions, such as seen in certain sports or occupations
- An extra rib or tight muscles in the neck and shoulder area
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on which nerves or blood vessels are involved. You may experience:
- Numbness or tingling in your arm, hand, or fingers
- Shoulder, neck, or arm pain
- Weak grip, or difficulty lifting your arm
- Swelling or color changes in your arm or hand
Doctors find out if you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) by doing a check-up, taking pictures inside your body, and testing how well your blood flows or nerves work. The best way to treat TOS is by doing exercises with a physical therapist and learning to sit or stand the right way. Stretching can help you feel better and move easier. Sometimes, the doctor may give you medicine to help with pain or swelling. If exercises don't make you feel better, the doctor may need to do an operation to take away whatever is pushing on your nerves or blood vessels, like a rib, tight muscle, or old injury. Don't lift heavy things, keep your shoulders relaxed, and take breaks if you sit a lot or use your arms a lot. If you do this, you can feel less pain, keep your nerves and blood vessels safe, and do the things you like again.
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