THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME - Chiropractic Treatment

THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is comprised of a group of symptoms that is applied to a patients description of their complaint. The patient will complain of pains and numbness and tingling (paraesthesias) in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand. The pains will generally radiate down the middle of the arm and forearm. At times the pain can radiate into the front of the chest.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) generally affects woman more than it would men. It occurs most often in the 35 to 55 age group. Thoracic outlet syndrome has to be differentiated from other conditions that may simulate the symptoms found in this condition. Thoracic outlet syndrome can be attributed to two different categories, neurogenic or vascular. Neurogenic, possibly the most prevalent is due to entrapment of nerves and can be due to various causes. The vascular type is due to obstruction of blood vessels emanating in the neck, shoulder, armpit (axilla), and upper arm.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) can be due to a congenital condition or a trauma to the neck or shoulder. A trauma such as a whiplash injury sustained in an automobile accident or a severe fall, or an injury sustained in contact sports can be such a causative factor. Any such trauma can affect the cervical spine or muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck and shoulder. Any individual displaying neurogenic (nerve) or vascular (circulatory) symptoms should consult a Chiropractor or Physician for a comprehensive examination. His/her examination will include various orthopedic tests, x-rays, and possibly an MRI if indicated. There may also be other tests, such as an EMG to evaluate the normal function of the nerves.