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If you have thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), the nerves or blood vessels just below your neck are compressed, or squeezed. It can be between the muscles of your neck and shoulder or between the first rib and collarbone. You may feel burning, tingling and numbness along your arm, hand, and fingers. If a nerve is compressed, you may also feel weakness in your hand. If a vein is compressed, your hand might be sensitive to cold, or turn pale or bluish. Your arm might swell and tire easily.
TOS can be a repetitive stress injury. An extra rib, scar tissue, traumatic injury or inherited defects can also cause TOS. Treatment depends on what caused your TOS. Medicines, physical therapy and relaxation might help. Surgery may also be an option. Most people recover.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
'''Thoracic outlet syndrome''' (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). For the most part, these disorders have very little in common except the site of occurrence. The disorders are complex, somewhat confusing, and poorly defined, each with various signs and symptoms of the upper limb. ''True neurologic TOS'' is the only type with a clear definition that most scientists agree upon. The disorder is rare, typically painless, and caused by congenital anomalies (unusual anatomic features present at birth). It generally occurs in middle-aged women and almost always on one side of the body. Symptoms include weakness and wasting of hand muscles, and numbness in the hand. ''Disputed TOS'', also called common or non-specific TOS, is a highly controversial disorder. Some doctors do not believe it exists while others say it is very common. Because of this controversy, the disorder is referred to as "disputed TOS." Many scientists believe disputed TOS is caused by injury to the nerves in the brachial plexus. The most prominent symptom of the disorder is pain. Other symptoms include weakness and Fatigue (physical). ''Arterial TOS'' occurs on one side of the body. It affects patients of both genders and at any age but often occurs in young people. Like true neurologic TOS, arterial TOS is rare and is caused by a congenital anomaly. Symptoms can include sensitivity to cold in the hands and fingers, numbness or pain in the fingers, and finger ulcers (sores) or severe limb ischemia (inadequate blood circulation). ''Venous TOS'' is also a rare disorder that affects men and women equally. The exact cause of this type of TOS is unknown. It often develops suddenly, frequently following unusual, prolonged limb exertion. ''Traumatic ... [ Read More ]
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - From the Hand Surgery Center of Brooklyn and Staten Island, concise definition, signs, symptoms, and treatment related to thoracic outlet syndrome.
NISMAT Physical Therapy Corner: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - From the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, the causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Includes photographs demonstrating some stretching exercises.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Information Sheet on this syndrome compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Discussion of diagnosis of four major syndromes, presented by the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.