Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of problems that occur when there is irritation, compression, or injury of the nerves and/or blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the lower neck and upper chest area. Thoracic outlet syndrome is named for the area (the thoracic outlet) between your lower neck and upper chest where this grouping of nerves and blood vessels is found.
But how do you know if this is what you’re suffering from? Here are the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
- neck, shoulder, and arm pain
- numbness
- impaired circulation to the affected areas
The pain of TOS is often confused with angina, where chest pain is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. The difference is that the pain of TOS doesn’t increase when walking, while this agitates and increases pain from angina. TOS increases in pain when the arm in question is raised, while angina doesn’t.
What symptoms you have can also help determine where your TOS is located. Different locations have different pains associated with them. While TOS generally only affects the nerves, it can also attack the veins and arteries. In every type of TOS, though, the thoracic outlet is narrowed, with scar tissue forming around the area.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please call Neuropax Clinic today in St. Louis to setup an appointment to talk to us. Call us at 314-434-7784 to take the first step to healing your Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
