Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition in which the nerves or blood vessels are squeezed tightly in a small space behind the collarbone (clavicle). This space is called the thoracic outlet. TOS can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your shoulder, arm, or hand. Sometimes it causes swelling. There are different types of TOS. The most common type is neurogenic (nerve) TOS. This is caused by nerves that are squeezed in the thoracic outlet. In vascular (blood vessel) TOS, veins or arteries are squeezed. TOS is caused by a thoracic outlet that's smaller than normal and that squeezes nerves or blood vessels. The smaller outlet may be caused by: Symptoms depend on the type of TOS. Symptoms of nerve TOS may happen when you move your arms to shoulder level or to other positions that put pressure on the nerves. These symptoms include: Symptoms of vascular (blood vessel) TOS include: Your doctor will ask if you have trouble using your hands or arms in activities like driving or washing your hair. You'll be asked about any injuries you've had to your neck or shoulder. You will have a physical exam. This may include moving your arms and holding them in different positions. Your doctor will check for symptoms and changes in your pulse. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray. Other imaging tests, such as an MRI, a CT scan, or an ultrasound, may be done. You may have nerve tests such as an electromyogram (EMG) or a nerve conduction study. They measure electrical signals from nerves to muscles. These tests can tell the doctor if your symptoms are caused by a nerve problem or by the muscle. Your doctor may also give you a shot to numb a muscle in your neck to see if it makes your symptoms go away. The treatment depends on the type of TOS and what's causing it. If your TOS is caused by squeezed nerves, you will probably have physical therapy first. The aim is to help relieve your symptoms. It may help you improve your posture, stretch the muscles in the area, and move better. It can also help you reduce the repeated movements that caused the TOS or made it worse. Your doctor may suggest that you lose some weight. It may take some pressure off the nerve. If your TOS involves blood vessels, you may have medicine or surgery to remove blood clots. You may have a procedure to repair a blood vessel. And you may take blood thinners to help prevent more blood clots. With either type, you may have surgery to relieve the tightness in the thoracic outlet area. Current as of: December 20, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Current as of: December 20, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com. © 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.Topic Contents
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
What is thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)?
What are the types of TOS?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is TOS treated?
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: December 20, 2023 Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review BoardThoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.