Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms
Thoracic outlet syndrome is actually three syndromes that are related to compression of nerves, arteries and veins in the area of the both the lower neck and upper chest. This compression causes arm, shoulder and neck pain. Although thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms can vary, there may be tenderness in the area of the neck hollow just above the clavicle, a feeling of pins and needles when the hands are elevated, weakness in the little finger and the palm of one or both hands may be pale when elevated above the shoulders with fingers raised to the ceiling.
The thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms are located between the rib cage and the collar bone. When blood vessels and nerves pass through this space coming from the spine or main blood vessels to the arms, they may be compressed because there is not enough room to pass through.
3 Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The three types of thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms are neurogenic, venous and arterial. In Neurogenic TOS the fleshy base at the end of the thumb is severely wasted, there is numbness and tingling in the fingers and hand, cold hands and a dull pain in the neck, shoulder and armpit. Other symptoms include pallor, weak pulse or no pulse in the arm that is affected, coolness and pallor in that arm, numbness and aching or swelling in the arm or fingers and the neck or arm will be weak. The most prominent feature of Arterial TOS is a change in color of the hands and fingers, which will be sensitive to cold, and there will be swelling, heaviness and numbness, along with poor circulation in arms, hands and fingers.
Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms are more common among women. However, there are many causes that affect people of both sexes. Physical trauma, such as that suffered in an automobile collision or workers using a computer in non-ergonomic positions for long periods of time can develop TOS. Other causes can be a defect in the person’s anatomy, tumors pressing on a nerve or nerves, poor posture, pregnancy and the repetitive actions of the arm and shoulder resulting from playing sports such as baseball pitchers, volleyball players, or weight lifters.
Treatments for TOS
If a person has thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, the diagnosis is confirmed by electromyography, CT angiogram, MRI, nerve conduction velocity study or X-ray. To strengthen the muscles of the chest, restore good posture and relieve chest compression, a treatment program of exercise and physical therapy is recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed to relieve the pain, sometimes thromobolytics or anticoagulants medications will be used to break up blood clots or prevent clots. For most people, the exercise and physical therapy treatment will improve the condition. However, doctors may have to perform thoracic outlet decompression surgery to remove the cause of the compression of the nerve or artery, especially those with vascular or neurogenic TOS. This involves making an incision under the armpit or just above the collarbone. The procedure usually relieves the symptoms in fifty to eighty per cent of the patients.
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