Do You Suffer from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to a group of conditions that develops when there is compression of the nerves, arteries, or veins in the passageway from the collarbone to the first rib called the thoracic outlet. Compression of these structures occurs when the thoracic outlet becomes too narrow which may lead to pain in the shoulders, neck, and arms as well as numbness and tingling in your hands. 

Thoracic outlet syndrome happens a lot more frequently than we think, and can be caused by a variety of instances, be it from direct or repetitive trauma such as a taking a mark in at footy, an incorrect fast bowling technique in cricket, poor serving techniques in tennis or simply poor shoulder posture while sitting.

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome can vary depending on whether it is a nerve or blood vessel that has been affected.

Compressed blood vessels may lead to:

• Fatiguing or weakness of the hands, arms and upper limb
• Swelling of the arm
• Discoloration of the hand
• Cold hands or arms
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and fingers
• Tender lump near your collarbone

Compressed nerves may lead to:

• Pain in the neck, shoulder or hand
• Numbness or tingling in your arms and fingers
• Weakness of your grip

Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The cause of a compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet can vary, but typically is attributed to one or more of the following:

Anatomical Defects:  Inherited defects present at birth. Some people are born with an extra rib located above the first rib (cervical rib) which has the ability to reduce the size of the thoracic outlet and cause a compression of the nerves or blood vessels.

Poor Posture: Poor posture causes undue pressure on the joints. Drooping shoulders, or sitting at a computer with your head extended forward for a long period of time can cause compression in the thoracic outlet.

Injury: Car accidents are known to cause a compression of the thoracic outlet due to the impact coupled with a seatbelt running very closely over this area. A fractured collarbone which can cause changes to the structure of the thoracic outlet and tension to the muscles and connective tissue attached to it.

Diagnosis

At Emerald Osteopathy, we use a problem-solving, results-based, clinical approach to find the exact cause of this complex condition and achieve measurable long-term improvements to your symptoms. Our Osteopaths are highly trained in history taking and physical assessment. And are able to differentiate and diagnose the signs and symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment At Emerald Osteopathy:

We believe in supporting and providing the best possible care to our patients. We understand thoracic outlet syndrome can be painful and frustrating which is why we are committed to a problem-solving, results-based clinical approach to get to the root of your condition and achieve measurable improvements.

We do not stop at treating to just resolve the current symptoms, but we go deeper into the root of this problem by identifying all possible existing risk factors (such as but not limited to, stiff mid thoracic vertebrae, poor shoulder blade muscle coordination, collarbone joint dysfunction, shoulder rotator cuff muscle imbalance etc.). We understand prevention is the best treatment and we will do all we can to resolve all the possible risk factors to prevent thoracic outlet syndrome recurring.