Dennis J. Bonner, MD

Pain Management News

Pain Management News and Updates.

WHAT IS THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME?

WHAT IS THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME?

Compression, damage, or irritation of nerves or blood vessels (arteries and veins) in the lower neck and upper chest region are used to describe a range of illnesses collectively known as thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). A cluster of nerves and blood vessels known as thoracic outlet syndrome is present in the region between your lower neck and upper chest (the thoracic outlet).

Symptoms Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Affected parts of the neck, shoulders, and arms may experience discomfort, numbness, or decreased blood flow due to TOS.

Many people confuse the pain of thoracic outlet syndrome with angina (chest discomfort owing to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart muscle). However, thoracic outlet syndrome pain does not develop or intensify when walking, but angina pain frequently does. In contrast to angina, the pain from TOS usually worsens as you raise the afflicted arm.

Patients with TOS can be diagnosed based on their symptoms and signs. Depending on where the body is affected, there are several different types of thoracic outlet syndrome problems. The nerves, veins, and arteries can be affected by Thoracic outlet syndrome (the least common type). The thoracic outlet space is reduced in all kinds of TOS, and scar tissue forms around the structures.