What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a group of symptoms that affect your neck, arm and hand. It occurs when nerves or blood vessels in part of the upper chest, known as the thoracic outlet, are compressed.
The thoracic outlet is a narrow space located between your collarbone and first rib. If an injury, abnormal bone or muscle, or another factor reduces the space further, it puts pressure on your nerves, an artery or a vein.
Thoracic outlet syndrome is more common in women than men, and in most cases, it develops between the ages of 20 and 50.
This condition can affect your quality of life in a variety of ways. Pain, weakness or swelling in your arm or hand can reduce your ability to play sports or perform everyday tasks. With help from an experienced heart and vascular team, you can minimize symptoms and get back to feeling like you.
Types of thoracic outlet syndrome
There are three types of this condition. Physicians classify thoracic outlet syndrome based on whether nerves or blood vessels are compressed.
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome
Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is when the nerves in your thoracic outlet become compressed.
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) is a condition where a vein, typically the subclavian vein that takes blood from your arms and returns it to your heart, becomes compressed in the thoracic outlet.
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS) occurs when the subclavian artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to your arms, shoulders and brain, is compressed. This is the rarest type of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms
The symptoms you experience depend on which of the three types of thoracic outlet syndrome you have.
What causes thoracic outlet syndrome?
In some people, a physical abnormality can put pressure on the structures inside the thoracic outlet. One example is a cervical rib, an extra rib attached to the top of the spine. In other cases, an enlarged muscle in the neck called the scalene muscle can press on the nerves or blood vessels.
Other causes include:
- Injury to the blood vessels
- Overuse of the arm or shoulder from playing sports or other activities
- Poor posture affecting the nerves
- Pregnancy
- Tumor pressing on the nerves
How to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome
To diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome, your provider will ask you about your medical history, perform a physical exam and may order some testing.
Thoracic outlet syndrome treatment
Thoracic outlet syndrome is quite treatable. Your heart and vascular specialists will work with your primary care, neurology and orthopedic specialists to treat your condition, so you can feel better and get back to your active lifestyle without discomfort.
Find a location near you
Whether your physician has recommended conservative treatment or surgery for your thoracic outlet syndrome, you can find comprehensive care at our heart and vascular locations in North and Central Texas. We can coordinate your care at a location with the services you need.
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