Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)- neck, shoulder, arm and hand symptoms.

Do you have neck, shoulder arm, hand numbness, tingling, pins and needles, soreness or pain? You might find this article helpful if you do.

The thoracic outlet is located between the first rib, the clavicle, and the scalene muscles. The brachial plexus and the subcalvian artery pass between the anterior and medial scalenes muscles, the first rib, and the overlying clavicle. The brachial plexus and the sbuclavian artery can be compressed as they pass between the thoracic outlet. The lower roots of the brachial plexus (C8-T1) or ulnar nerve are at high risk than the more superior roots because of their location in the plexus.

TOS is also known as scalene anticus syndrome, hyperabduction syndrome, cervical rib sundrome, costoclavicular syndrome and pectoralis minor syndrome.

Causes of TOS:

1. Mechanical: repetitive stress, overuse, poor posture, muscle spasm, decondition or artrophy.
2. Traumatic: penetration injury
   
3. Congenital: cervical rib
   
4. Vascular
5. Infeciton
6. Idiopathic
   

The symptoms include pain in the fingers, hand, forearm, arm, and shoulder. Numbness occurs most often in the fingers, hand and the forearm. You may also feel cold, weakness and skin color change. Pins and needles in arm and hand.

Conservatice treatments for TOS:

1. Self care tips: improvement in posture, office ergonomics, modification in work related posture habits, cervical traction, stretching
2. Treatment in our clinic: a few options, myofascial release technique, PIR stretching, In office posture training for cervical and thoracic spine, strengthen weak muscles, chiropractic adjustment for neck, upper back and first rib, and medical massage.

Active Spines Chiropractic Keeps Your Spine Active and Pain Free! You can contact Dr. Shao-Hao Cheng at activespines.com