Do you suspect you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of conditions involving the compression of nerves and blood vessels in your neck and shoulder area. TOS can lead to pain, numbness and weakness in your neck, shoulders, and arms.
Most commonly caused by repetitive stress, trauma, and anatomical abnormalities, TOS can destroy sleep, work, hobbies, and your future. Or, it can be easily corrected if the cause is properly identified.
Often accompanied by neck and shoulder pain or tension, the arm on the affected side will sometimes have scary symptoms like pain and numbness in the left arm, mimicking what we might feel is a heart attack symptom. It is important to see your doctor to rule out heart issues if symptoms on the left side are worrisome.
Over time, if not dealt with properly, thoracic outlet syndrome can worsen to the point of needing surgery.
Don’t Want Surgery?
See a chiropractor. Huh? That’s right. Oftentimes TOS is caused by compression of a rib and your collar bone, both of which are commonly worked on by chiropractors. With TOS your nerves, muscles, and bones are not positioned and working well together. The bones and muscles are compressing the nerves and arteries. Just like when you sleep on your arm and it’s dead in the morning, TOS is slowly choking your neck, shoulder, and arm! Relieve pressure at the cause, problems go away or ease up. Chiropractors are your drug-free, non-surgical choice for thoracic outlet syndrome!