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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome results from compression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck and the armpit.
There are many variants of TOS because there are many different points where compression can occur. Diagnosis using orthopedic tests is necessary to determine the precise area of involvement.
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome
| Pain | The location of pain depends on the site of the compression. It can be in the neck, shoulder, arm or chest. |
| Wasting muscles | Nerve compression, over time will, cause the muscles to shrink. |
| Weakness | Compression affects the function of the nerves which in turn interferes with muscle function. |
| Numbness | Numbness can result from either nerve or blood vessel compression. |
| Cold arm | A tangibly cold arm may be the consequence of pressure on the blood vessels restricting blood flow to the limb. |
What causes thoracic outlet syndrome?
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Pressure on the nerves in the neck may be due to poor joint alignment or tight neck muscles. Pressure on the nerves in the shoulder could be due to poor joint alignment or tight muscles on the front of the shoulder. Pressure on the blood vessels can occur as they twist past the collar bone and through muscles in the armpit.
What can I do about it?
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| Orthopedic tests | These will help determine whether the issue is caused by tight muscles or the alignment of bones. |
| Exercise | Tight muscles can be stretched to release the pressure on the nerves |
| Fix the joint | Specific rehabilitation exercises or joint manipulation can resolve alignment and effectively reduce compression. |
Other causes of TOS type symptoms
Cervical rib
Some people are born with an extra rib that can put pressure on the nerves or blood vessels of the neck and arm.
Cervical subluxation
A restricted neck joint can mimic a pinched nerve.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
A complex neurological disorder involving increased pain sensitivity, excessive sweating and burning pain.
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