A Patient's Guide to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Chiropractic Treatment

A Patient's Guide to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Introduction
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can cause pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Testing for TOS is difficult. There is no one test to accurately diagnose TOS, and other conditions can have similar symptoms. You will need to go through several tests to find out if TOS is actually the cause of your pain. Making the right diagnosis often takes time and can be a cause of frustration--for both you and your doctor.

This guide will help you understand
•what happens in your body to cause TOS
•what tests will be used to diagnose the condition
•what you and your doctor can do to relieve your pain
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic doctors will examine and palpate the function and mobility of the first rib and vertebra in the neck to make sure that they are moving properly. Often, if the rib moves upwards or becomes fixated, it can compress the nerves, arteries and veins causing numbness, tingling or pain into the arm. The musculature, such as the anterior scalenes can become overactive an also press on these pain sensitive structures causing the symptoms of TOS. By correcting any functional problems with the ribs and stretching the tightened muscles, the cause of the problem can be eliminated. A home exercise program is essential to the treatment of TOS. This is true even if the cause of your TOS is an abnormality in the bones and muscles. You must consistently do your exercises to get the most benefits.

© Winchester Hospital Chiropractic Center