TabletWise.com
 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Also called: TOS

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) causes pain in the shoulder, arm, and neck. It happens when the nerves or blood vessels just below your neck are compressed, or squeezed. The compression can happen between the muscles of your neck and shoulder or between the first rib and collarbone. You may feel burning, tingling, and numbness along your arm, hand, and fingers. If a nerve is compressed, you may also feel weakness in your hand. If a vein is compressed, your hand might be sensitive to cold, or turn pale or bluish. Your arm might swell and tire easily.

TOS is more common in women. It usually starts between 20 and 50 years of age. Doctors do nerve and imaging studies to diagnose it.

There are many causes of TOS, including

  • Injury
  • Anatomical defects
  • Tumors that press on nerves
  • Poor posture that causes nerve compression
  • Pregnancy
  • Repetitive arm and shoulder movements and activity, such as from playing certain sports

Treatment depends on what caused your TOS. Medicines, physical therapy, and relaxation might help. Surgery may also be an option. Most people recover.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following features are indicative of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • muscle wasting in the fleshy base of your thumb
  • tingling in your arm or fingers
  • pain in your neck, shoulder or hand
  • discoloration of your hand
  • blood clot in veins or arteries in the upper area of your body
  • pallor
  • cold fingers, hands or arms
  • arm fatigue with activity
It is possible that Thoracic Outlet Syndrome shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

Get TabletWise Pro

Thousands of Classes to Help You Become a Better You.

Common Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following are the most common causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • physical trauma from a car accident
  • pregnancy
  • poor posture
  • repetitive activity
  • obesity

Risk Factors for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • being female
  • young adults

Prevention of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid repetitive movements
  • avoid lifting heavy objects
  • maintaining healthy body weight
  • stretch daily and perform exercises daily

Occurrence of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-50 years

Common Gender

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • Physical examination: To see the external signs of thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Provocation tests: To determine the cause of your condition
  • X-ray: To find out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms
  • Ultrasound: To detect vascular thoracic outlet syndrome or other vascular problems
  • Computerized tomography scan: To evaluate the location and cause of blood vessel compression
  • Magnetic resonance imaging: To detect the congenital anomalies
  • Angiography: To diagnose the thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Arteriography and venography: To view x-ray images of your arteries or veins
  • Electromyography: To evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles
  • Nerve conduction study: To measure your nerves' ability to send impulses to muscles

Doctor for Diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • Thoracic surgeon

Complications of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome if untreated

Yes, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is left untreated:
  • permanent neurological damage

Procedures for Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following procedures are used to treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • Surgery: To treat thoracic outlet syndrome
  • Transaxillary approach: To relieve compression
  • Supraclavicular approach: Repairs compressed blood vessels
  • Infraclavicular approach: To treat compressed veins

Self-care for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • Do exercises at home: Strengthen and support the muscles surrounding your thoracic outlet
  • Maintain good posture: To avoid unnecessary stress on your shoulders and muscles

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
  • Physical therapy: Improves range of motion and improve your posture

Patient Support for Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The following actions may help Thoracic Outlet Syndrome patients:
  • Be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor: Makes you feel comfortable and helps in coping with the disease

Time for Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 6 months - 1 year

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/16/2019.
This page provides information for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Related Topics

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Sign Up



Share

Share with friends, get 20% off
Invite your friends to TabletWise learning marketplace. For each purchase they make, you get 20% off (upto $10) on your next purchase.