Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome is a painful, sometimes debilitating illness that is often misdiagnosed. The thoracic outlet is an area within the shoulder and neck where nerves and blood vessels come together before continuing on to other various parts of the body. In cases of Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome, the nerves and vessels become compressed or irritated causing pain, weakness, and a host of other symptoms.
Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome Symptoms
Since Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome is very hard to detect and shares like symptoms with many other diseases and disorders, it is often misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, brachial plexus syndrome, and rotator cuff syndrome.
The symptoms associated with Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome vary from patient to patient. Symptoms may also vary in severity depending on how complete or partial the compression is. Here are just a few of the signs that can be present in patients with Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome:
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Weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
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Prickling or tingling feelings in the arms, hands, and digits.
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Swelling in the arm or hand.
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Atrophy of the muscles of the hand.
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Bluish color that indicates lack of circulation to the hand. The hands may also be cold to the touch.
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Pain in neck or other affected areas.
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Shooting pain down the arm.
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Difficulty performing motor functions.
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The feeling that the arms are heavy or uncooperative.
The Causes Of Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome
The causes of Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome are numerous. The condition can arise from birth malformations, trauma, or illness. It can also be brought about by poor posture and repetitive tasks that eventually lessen the amount of space through which the nerves and blood vessels travel. Here are just a few of the many causes of Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome:
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Displaced disk or herniated disk.
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The repeated carrying of a heavy shoulder bag.
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Poor posture.
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Fibrositis in the shoulder and cervical area.
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Compression of spinal nerves.
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Bone spurs.
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Whiplash or other injury that leads to the formation of scar tissue.
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Bone fractures.
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Any type of postural defect that may limit the amount of space through which nerves and vessels travel such as scoliosis, rounded shoulders, etc.
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Excessive exercise which may lead to the shortening of the neck muscles.
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Changes in posture in pregnant women.
Testing For Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome
The tests to check for Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome are simple and can be performed right in your physician’s office. Your doctor will take you through a series of postures while he or she checks for signs of weakness or change in strength of pulse. If the pulse weakens during any of the postures, it is taken as a sign that there is a compression occurring. The presence of pain, heaviness, weakness, or numbness during any of the postures can also result in a positive diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndrome.
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