Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause several or all of the following symptoms: Pain felt in the hand, arm, shoulder, and/or neck, which can range anywhere from dull to sharp. Weakened hand and/or arm that is easily fatigued. Numbness and/or tingling felt in the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.
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Is thoracic outlet syndrome debilitating?
Pain, numbness and tingling in the hands or arms can be debilitating. These symptoms can make it difficult or impossible for a person to work or carry out normal daily activities.
Is neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome painful?
Many patients with neurogenic TOS describe substantial symptoms of pain and tension in the neck and/or upper back, and these symptoms are often perceived to be the most functionally disabling.
What does thoracic outlet syndrome feel like?
Symptoms include weakness or numbness of the hand; decreased size of hand muscles, which usually occurs on one side of the body; and/or pain, tingling, prickling, numbness and weakness of the neck, chest, and arms.
What does thoracic nerve pain feel like?
Individuals with a thoracic pinched nerve often experience some of the following symptoms: Pain in the middle of the back. Pain that radiates to the front of the chest or shoulder. Numbness or tingling that extends from the back into the upper chest.
What makes thoracic outlet syndrome worse?
Overuse of the shoulders and arms
Repetitive activities, such as working at a computer or lifting heavy objects above the head, can cause damage to the tissues in the thoracic outlet. Over time, the size of the thoracic outlet may shrink, placing pressure on the vessels and nerves.
How do people live with thoracic outlet syndrome?
Treating thoracic outlet syndrome
Medications to decrease inflammation, relieve pain, relax your muscles, or prevent and dissolve blood clots. Physical therapy to learn exercises to strengthen your muscles and take the pressure off your blood vessels and nerves, increase your range of motion and improve your posture.
Is TOS surgery risky?
Complications of TOS surgery include the recurrence of symptoms, brachial plexus, phrenic nerve, long thoracic nerve, complete or transient paralysis, subclavian artery and vein injuries, axillary artery thrombosis, hemothorax, pneumothorax, chylothorax, permanent damage to the brachial plexus, severe sequelae such as
Does thoracic outlet syndrome show up on MRI?
Conclusion: MRI can contribute to the diagnosis of TOS. Specificity is sufficiently high to provide guidance for planning the surgical procedure. Sensitivity, however, is too low for MRI to be useful as a screening test.
Is TOS a disability?
Because TOS is an unlisted disability, you may need the help of a Pittsburgh disability attorney to obtain your benefits.
Is TOS an emergency?
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome
Often this is temporary, happening only when your arm is raised. However, severe or long-term arterial TOS can damage the artery, cause clotting and require emergency medical attention. The most rare form, arterial TOS, requires surgery to decompress the thoracic outlet.
What are 3 of the special tests for thoracic outlet syndrome?
Special Orthopedic Assessment Tests – Space Occupying Conditions – Slump Test. Orthopedic Assessment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Adson’s, Eden’s, Wright’s. Orthopedic Assessment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Brachial Plexus Tension Test. Special Orthopedic Assessment Tests – Vertebral Artery Competency Test.
How long does it take for TOS to heal?
Recovery: Most patients will feel some level of discomfort/pain as they recover from surgery for at least 1-2 weeks. Return to activity: Patients often to return to light activity in seven to 10 days.
How do you sleep with thoracic outlet syndrome?
Breathing like this keeps the first rib from elevating. Sleeping Positions: Be sure not to sleep on the affected side! Laying on your back is ideal, however, laying on the non-affected side with a pillow between your arms, to keep your shoulders from rounding is okay too!
How do you relieve thoracic nerve pain?
In mild cases, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, and stretching exercises may be enough to relieve the symptoms of thoracic nerve root entrapment. Your doctor may also recommend injections, such as facet injections, nerve blocks or an epidural.
Why is thoracic back pain a red flag?
Red flags
However, many patients with thoracic back pain have a benign, mechanical cause. Red flags for possible serious spinal pathology include: Recent violent trauma (such as a vehicle accident or fall from a height). Minor trauma, or even just strenuous lifting, in people with osteoporosis.
Which fingers are affected by thoracic outlet syndrome?
What are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome? When the brachial plexus nerves are compressed, you may experience numbness and tingling on the inner arm, pinky finger, or pinky side of your ring finger. If left untreated, the compression can create weakness or paralysis of the muscles moving the thumb and fingers.
What is the test for thoracic outlet syndrome?
Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your body. It’s often the first imaging test used to help diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctors may use this test to see if you have vascular thoracic outlet syndrome or other vascular problems.
How many people are diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome?
Based on a prospectively maintained database at our academic Thoracic Outlet Center, we estimate the yearly incidence of neurogenic and venous thoracic outlet syndrome to be approximately 3 and 1 per 100,000 population, respectively.
Can a physical therapist diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?
A Word From Verywell
If you suspect you have thoracic outlet syndrome, be sure to have your symptoms evaluated by a physical therapist or a physician. These medical professionals can help determine which form of the diagnosis, if any, you have and whether PT will be of benefit to you.
What is the success rate of TOS surgery?
Excellent and good results following different operations for TOS are close to 80%, using simple statistics, where results included many patients followed up for only a few months. Using life-table methods, the success rate is 6% to 9% less, close to 70%, at 5 years.