Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of TOS vary depending on which blood vessels or nerves are compressed.
Nerve Compression Symptoms
Arterial Compression Symptoms
Venous Compression Symptoms
Complications
Over time, some people develop a reaction to their TOS pain called muscular bracing. They maintain an extremely rigid posture in an effort to prevent further pain. Unfortunately, muscular bracing increases muscle tightness and can actually increase pain. Muscular bracing often requires additional physical therapy, medication and other treatment.
It is important to seek treatment for TOS in its early stages. Left untreated, TOS can cause significant nerve or vessel damage and, possibly, loss of a limb.
Nerve Compression Symptoms
- Pain or aching in the neck, shoulder, arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm or hand
- Muscle weakness and wasting in the arm or hand
- Difficulty performing fine motor tasks; arm easily fatigued
Arterial Compression Symptoms
- Arm or hand swelling
- Pain or deep aching in the neck, shoulder or arm
- Numbness, tingling or heaviness in the arm
- Skin color changes – hand or fingers lack color
- Skin temperature changes – hand or fingers are much cooler than the rest of the skin
- Small black spots on the fingers
- Weak or absent pulse in the arm
- Throbbing lump near the collar bone
Venous Compression Symptoms
- Arm or hand swelling
- Pain or deep aching in the neck, shoulder or arm
- Numbness, tingling or heaviness in the arm
- Skin color changes – hand or fingers are bluish
- Subclavian vein blood clot
- Visible chest veins
Complications
Over time, some people develop a reaction to their TOS pain called muscular bracing. They maintain an extremely rigid posture in an effort to prevent further pain. Unfortunately, muscular bracing increases muscle tightness and can actually increase pain. Muscular bracing often requires additional physical therapy, medication and other treatment.It is important to seek treatment for TOS in its early stages. Left untreated, TOS can cause significant nerve or vessel damage and, possibly, loss of a limb.