What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
It is a group of conditions where the nerves, arteries and/or veins in the path from your lower neck to your arm pit are compressed.
Can physiotherapy help people with thoracic outlet syndrome?
Yes. Conservative treatment like physiotherapy is effective in the treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome. Surgery is only considered when conservative treatment fails.
What are the causes of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Compression of nerves
Compression of the subclavian artery or subclavian vein on the side of the throat or upper chest
Injury to the artery due to an abnormality in a neck rib or other bony irritation
Injury or compression of the vein. This could lead to a progressive narrowing of the vessel and eventual clot formation
Trauma
Repetitive arm movements
The presence of a cervical rib or other congenital abnormality
Tumour
Pregnancy
Poor posture
What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?
Pain in the neck, collar bone region, chest, upper back, shoulder, arm, hand
Pins & needles, numbness in the arm, hand and fingers
Weakness of the arm and hand
Loss of dexterity/coordination in the hand
Muscle spasms in the arm and hand
Feeling of stiffness, heaviness and fatigue in the arm
Pain at rest and night pain
Dizziness, headaches, vertigo may occur
Decreased or absent arterial pulse
Swelling, coldness, colour change in the arm and hand
Not sure about your conditions?