Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The symptoms of this are neck, shoulder and arm pain, tingling in the arm and hand and reduced circulation to the arm.There may be discolouring in the arm and weakness in the chest and arm. It is often worse when raising the arm above the head or out in front of you.

This is due to compression of a group of nerves in the neck, called the Brachial Plexus, and blood vessels. The area where the blood vessels and nerves leave the upper chest, to supply the arm, is called the thoracic outlet.

This could be caused by a number of factors such as an extra rib, increased muscle size possibly caused by weight lifting, weight gain, tumour in the neck or possibly by extended work in a certain position.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be confused with other problems such as Cervical Disc Prolapse or Carpel Tunnel syndrome. An Osteopath can conduct tests, to confirm the diagnosis, by asking the patient to put their head and arms in certain positions which will reproduce the symptoms. They can try to identify what is causing the problem and give postural advice, treatment and exercises to alleviate the pain, tingling and weakness. They may refer you to your GP for further tests to confirm the findings or for alternative treatment.