Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is characterized by neurovascular signs and symptoms such as:

Numbness and tingling

Weakness in arm

Headaches

Swelling in the wrist/hand

Pale or blue color in distal portion of the arm.

There are four different categories of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:

1. Anterior Scalene Syndrome

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome caused from the compression of the brachial plexus (a bundle of nerves extending from the spinal cord) as well as the subclavian artery inbetween the anterior and middle scalene. Compression of these can lead to symptoms such as: numbness, tingling, weakness, headaches and ischemia. Usually caused from labored breathing (COPD;asthma), or poor posture (ie. rounded shoulders, upper cross syndrome), and the scalene muscles must be released to decrease symtoms.

2. Costoclavicular Syndrome

• Thoraic Outlet Syndrome caused from the compression of  the brachial plexus, as well as both the subclavian artery and vein. This can lead to a multitude of signs and symptoms such as swelling in the wrist or hand, paleness or blue in palor, and nerve symptoms down the arm. Usually caused from labored breathing (COPD;asthma), or poor posture (ie. rounded shoulders, upper cross syndrome). To decrease signs and symptoms posture must be realigned so the clavicle does not lay upon the first rib

3. Pectoralis Minor Syndrome

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome caused from the compression of  the brachial plexus, as well as both the axillary artery and vein. This can lead to a multitude of signs and symptoms such as swelling in the wrist or hand, paleness or blue in palor, and nerve symptoms down the arm. Usually caused from repetitive actions (ie.hair styling; construction), or poor posture (ie. rounded shoulders, upper cross syndrome). To decrease signs and symptoms the pectoralis minor must be stretched, and posture must be readjusted.

4. Cervical Rib Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

• What doctors would call “True Thoracic Outlet Syndrome”, Cervical Rib Thoraic Outlet Syndrome is caused from a genetic mutation in one to two percent ofthe population where another rib forms off of the cervical vertebrae C7. This rib can grow in between the anterior and medial scalenes causing compression. An xray is needed to diagnose.

How Can I Fix It?

• Massage

  • Other than Cervical Rib Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, the symptoms are usually caused from overuse and posture! Massage is an easy way to realign and loosen muscles that have repeatedly been shortened.

• Stretch

  • Stretches targeted at releasing muscles such as: the scalenes, pecs, and sternocleidomastoid will help to alleveiate symtoms quickly, but to make a bigger difference they need to be done on a daily basis.

 

Massage Therapy is a highly effective treatment for 3 out of the 4 causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. 

Call to schedule an appointment today

586-839-7496