Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment North Vancouver: before learning about treatments provided continue reading to learn more about SI joint dysfunction so that you can better understand the treatments offered at Mountain Health & Performance! 

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition, which involves compression or irritation of nerves and or blood vessels as they leave the thoracic cage through a space known as the thoracic outlet. Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome involves compression of portions of the brachial plexus and is the most common form (over 90% of cases). Neurogenic TOS may be further subdivided into True Neurogenic and Non-specific or classic TOS based on symptoms. Venous or Arterial Thoracic Outlet syndrome involves compression of veins or arteries as they pass through the thoracic outlet and is much less common. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also be referred to as:

 

1.  Cervical rib syndrome

2. First rib syndrome

3. Costoclavicular syndrome

4. Scalenus medius syndrome

5. Droopy shoulder syndrome

6. Pectoralis minor syndrome

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Anatomy:

 

Thoracic Outlet:

The thoracic outlet is a space which is formed by the first rib, the clavicle, the anterior scalene and the posterior scalene muscles. Various structures traverse through the thoracic outlet. The brachial plexus and the subclavian artery pass over the first rib between the anterior and middle scalene muscles within the thoracic outlet.

 

Brachial Plexus:

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that supply the skin and muscles of the upper limb. These nerves branch from the spinal cord and travel through the neck, over the first rib and into the armpit.

There are three spaces in the thoracic outlet region that have been identified as potential areas of brachial plexus compression.

 

Interscalene Space/Triangle:

This triangle is made up of the anterior scalene muscle, the middle scalene muscle and the first rib. The brachial plexus passes behind the anterior scalene and travels down towards the armpit region.

 

Costoclavicular Space:

The clavicle, subclavian muscle and the costocoracoid ligament create this space. The back the space is made up of the scapula and the first rib and scalene muscle insertions. The brachial plexus travels through this space and moves under the clavicle towards the subpectoralis minor space.

 

Subpectoralis Minor Space:

This space is located underneath the coracoid process of the shoulder blade and behind the pectoralis minor muscle. Here the brachial plexus travels underneath the pectoralis muscle towards the armpit.

 

What Causes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

The current belief is that TOS is caused by bony or soft-tissue anomalies and or tension/spasm of these structures in the thoracic outlet region. Local muscle spasm in the thoracic outlet region can result in muscle swelling and place the nerves or vessels under strain or traction. As the condition becomes more chronic scarring and fibrosis of the nerve can take place.

 

Bony anomalies can be congenital (from birth), traumatic or posttraumatic. These may include:

• Cervical ribs (extra set of ribs at the bottom of the neck)

• First rib fracture

• Subluxated or fractured clavicle

 

Soft tissue anomalies may include:

• Variations in where the scalene muscles originate and attach

• An extra scalene

• Enlarged or injured scalenes

• Pectoralis minor muscle shortening

 

Other injuries may lead to TOS symptoms and these include:

• Whiplash

• Direct or Indirect Blow to the shoulder

• Repetitive strain/poor posture

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Symptoms:

 

Non-specific Neurogenic:

• Pain in the neck, head, chest, shoulder blade, shoulder, arm, and or hand

• Numbness in the arm and hand

• Coldness of the hand

• Increased sensitivity to cold

• Whole arm numbness and heaviness with raising the affected arm

• Clumsiness with fine hand activities  Weak grip strength

True Neurogenic:

• Pain is absent

• Clumsiness in the hands

• Weak grip strength

• Shoulder pain, which extends into middle arm, forearm and hand

• Tingling into the ring and small fingers

• Pain in the region of the clavicle extending to the side of the head (headaches can be severe)

• Chest pain

• Neck pain radiating into the ear, face and head

• Stuffy ear

• Swelling of the face, issues with night vision, eyelid droop

• Dizziness, vertigo and blurred vision

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Aggravating Activities:

• Overhead arm or hand positions

• Repetitive arm movements in elevated positions

• Styling hair, painting, playing musical instruments and swimming

• Carrying heavy objects like suitcases and shopping bags

• Prolonged use of arm, when typing

• Rotation of the neck to the same side

• Symptoms may be delayed until after arm activity ceases

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Treatment:

 

The major focus of early treatment is symptom reduction by decreasing compression on the brachial plexus. Some easy ways to decrease compression on the brachial plexus and reduce nerve irritation includes the following:

 

• Sleeping Position: Many people experience increased symptoms at night due to sleeping position. Sleeping on the affected side or sleeping with the affected arm in an overhead position can increase symptoms. Try to avoid sleeping on the affected arm. To help you sleep on your back you could try placing pillows under each arm or between the body and involved arm when lying on your side.

 

• Activity Modification: Limit aggravating postures or activities as much as possible – i.e.: rest from working with arms overhead, swimming. Rest from vigorous aerobic activity: Vigorous aerobic activity can increase scalene activity so a rest from these activities may help initially. Avoid carrying heavy objects with affected arm.

 

• Supportive Bra: Large breasts can also cause sagging shoulder postures, which decrease the space for the brachial plexus. Wearing a good support bra with crossed posterior straps helps to reduce nerve pressure.

 

• Breathing Patterns: diaphragmatic breathing can help reduce activity of these muscles and can help to increase costoclavicular space. Addressing improper breathing techniques can help to reduce symptoms of TOS.

 

• Posture: improving posture can help to limit strain on the thoracic outlet. Varying sitting and standing postures while at work is most important. The body is put under excess strain holding any position for too long.

  The second phase of treatment will focus on addressing dysfunctions that are responsible for causing the symptoms of TOS. These treatments may include the following:

 

• Restoring normal joint function in the shoulder and surrounding areas (neck, upper back, AC, SC joints).

• Correcting related muscle weakness.

• Reducing related muscle, facia and nerve tension.

• Improving nerve mobility to decrease tension on the brachial plexus in the thoracic outlet.

 

Manipulation & Mobilization:

• Decreased TOS symptoms have been reported following improved mobility of the first rib through manual therapies such as mobilization and manipulation.

• Following manual therapy techniques used may lead to a “release phenomenon” in which patients experience increased symptoms (especially upper extremities numbness & tingling). This can indicate a normalization of nerve function, which is associated  with unloading the brachial plexus.

• Mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine may also help to unload the region of the thoracic outlet.

• Cervical traction has also been shown to help reduce symptoms.

• Mobilization of the SC and AC joints can also help to restore normal end range joint function of the clavicle during elevation activities, which may decrease the costoclavicular space.

 

Soft Tissue Therapy (myofascial release) & Muscle Energy Techniques:

Overuse of the scalenes which help with breathing, may result in elevation of the first rib, thereby reducing the costoclavicular space. Releasing the scalenes through soft tissue therapy and muscle energy techniques helps reduce tension and spasm in these muscles, which can decrease nerve compression & increase the costoclavicular space. Narrowing of the thoraco coraco pectoral space can result from shortening of the pec minor or major muscles. Releasing the pec muscles through soft tissue therapy and muscle energy techniques helps reduce tension and spasm in these muscles, which can decrease nerve compression & increase the thoraco coraco pectoral space.

 

Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy:

• Diaphragmatic breathing.

• Cervical (neck) range of motion exercises focussed on maintaining good alignment.

• Motor control and stability functional rehabilitation exercises for proximal muscles of the trunk, neck and shoulder.

• Deep neck flexor strengthening.

• Stretching and mobility exercises targeting tight muscles including: scalenes, pec minor, levator scapulae, pec major, coracobrachialis, pronator teres etc.

• These exercises will reduce fibrous bands and adhesions in muscles compressing the brachial plexus.

• Exercises for fine motor skills of the hands.

• Progressive cardiovascular training for those with poor aerobic capacity.

• Weight loss for overweight individuals.

 

Neural Mobilization/Nerve Flossing:

If neural mobility is limited, neural mobilizations are incorporated to improve gliding of the neural tissue in relation to the other surrounding tissues.

 

 

Surgical Management:

A large percentage of TOS cases will improve with the conservative treatments above. Those who have vascular TOS more commonly go on to surgery. Surgical treatment may be considered for those patients who experience:

• Weakness

• Wasting of the hand muscles

• Very low nerve conduction velocity

• Patients who fail conservative care and have significant pain