Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of signs and symptoms that result from compression of the neurovascular supply to the upper limb in the supraclavicular area and the shoulder girdle.

You may experience a combination of signs and symptoms related to neurological, arterial, and venous factors. Those who have a history of a car accident have a much higher incident of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in later years.

Neurological

• Patients may complain of pain in the neck, numbness, and paresthesia of the entire upper limb forearm and/or hand.
• The pinky and ring finger are predominantly involved, although the middle finger may be involved.
• Weak grip
• Cramping of forearm muscles
• Difficulty in using the arm overhead such as using a hairdryer
• Difficulty with fine motor skills
• Sensory loss, motor weakness, and atrophy in chronic conditions

Arterial

• Ischemic pain
• Numbness
• Fatigue
• Coldness
• Throbbing
• Palpable pulsations above the clavicle
• A heavy feeling of the effected arm
• Raynaud’s disease
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Venous

• Edema
• Cyanosis
• Distention of veins in the hand
• Vasculitis

Chiropractic care identifies and corrects structural misalignments, soft tissue injury, and nerve injury relating to the cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.   Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can be used to increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair, resolve inflammation, and give pain relief. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been found to offer superior healing and pain-relieving effects when compared to other electrotherapeutic modalities. The results are beneficial for early stages of acute injuries, and for chronic problems.

Patients suffering from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome should contact their Chiropractor who can develop a program to help repair the cellular injury caused by TOS.

---

More information about treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be found in our online manuals and our Laser, Percussor and Adjustor Videos.

Enhance the care you give your patients with tools and training from Jerome Rerucha DC - Available at our online store: https://www.shop-performancepractic.com