Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet is the space between your collarbone and your first rib. This narrow passageway is crowded with blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. If the shoulder muscles in your chest are not strong enough to hold the collarbone in place, it can slip down and forward, putting pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that lie under it. This causes a variety of symptoms which together are known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Symptons of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Pressure on the nerves
- Pressure on the blood vessels
- Limited range of motion
- Depression, swelling or discoloration on arm
Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Reptitive trauma or stress
- Excessive traction
- History of shoulder injury
Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Physical-Therapy
- Surgery