Things that can flare up thoracic outlet syndrome are keeping your arms held up or lifting your arms up high, playing sports, repetitive sports injuries, straining your arms, neck and should and even pregnancy.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a term that refers to three related syndromes involving compression of the nerves, arteries, and veins in the lower neck and upper chest area.
This compression causes pain in the arm, shoulder, and neck.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of conditions where there's pressure on your blood vessels or your nerves in the are that is between your neck and shoulder.
The area between your neck and shoulder is called the throacic outlet and compression of the blood vessels and the nerves can lead to neck pain and shoulder pain and can also cause numbness in your fingers.
Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause pain in your neck, upper chest, shoulder and arm which can feel like a dull ache, and it may worsen when you move your arms.
The most common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome are repetitive injuries such as from a sport or job or even pregnancy and car accidents.
In some cases the cause of thoracic outlet syndrome may not be known.
Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome involves the use of physical therapy and pain relief medications.
In some cases some people may need surgery to treat the thoracic syndrome.
There are 3 types of thoracic syndrome which include.
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. This is the most common type of thoracic outlet syndrome. In this type, a group of nerves called the brachial plexus is compressed. The nerves of the brachial plexus come from the spinal cord. The nerves control muscle movements and feeling in the shoulder, arm and hand.
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome. This type of thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when one or more of the veins under the collarbone are compressed and damaged. This can result in blood clots.
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. This is the least common type of TOS. It occurs when one of the arteries under the collarbone is compressed. The compression may cause injury to the artery resulting in a bulge, known as an aneurysm, or blood clot formation.
The symptoms of thoracic syndrome include.
Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers.
Pain or aches in the neck, shoulder, arm or hand.
Arm fatigue with activity.
A weakening grip.
Symptoms of venous thoracic outlet syndrome can include.
A change in the color of the hand or one or more fingers.
Hand or arm pain and swelling.
Symptoms of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome can include.
A pulsating lump near the collarbone.
Cold fingers, hands or arms.
Hand and arm pain.
A change in color in one or more of the fingers or the entire hand.
Weak or no pulse in the affected arm.