Occasionally, thoracic outlet syndrome is bilateral — indicating it occurs on either side. People who are diagnosed with TOS on just one side ought to have the other aspect checked, but they shouldn't be treated Except if they show definite indications or symptoms.

The thoracic outlet is the Place amongst the collarbone, generally known as the clavicle, and the initial rib. This narrow passageway is crowded with blood vessels, nerves and muscles.

TOS suffering doesn’t come about or worsen any time you stroll, when angina commonly does. Angina can also have other connected signs like shortness of breath, heart palpitations and lightheadedness.

Thoracic outlet syndrome can present in certain athletes that have interaction in repetitive motions that involve Excessive abduction and exterior rotation like competitive swimmers.

Differences in anatomy. Some people are born with an additional rib from the neck located previously mentioned the very first rib. The additional rib, often called a cervical rib, can compress nerves or blood vessels. There also could be a tight fibrous band connecting the backbone on the rib that causes compression.

TOS has identical signs and symptoms to pectoralis slight syndrome (PMS), which ordinarily results from compression in the brachial plexus beneath the pectoralis minimal muscle mass (though neurogenic TOS is brought on by compression of precisely the same nerves earlier mentioned the clavicle).[twelve] Compared with TOS Thoracic Outlet Syndrome there is often few headaches or neck discomfort in sufferers with PMS only, alternatively with suffering from the upper body place.

The condition is much more typical in Women of all ages. It’s also typically noticed in athletes and personnel who make repeated arm motions. But it really can have an effect on anyone.

Whiplash: Arm and hand signs and symptoms that persist extended after a whiplash injuries may be a sign of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Neurogenic: Affects nerves main with the spinal twine towards the neck into the arm. Most thoracic outlet syndrome conditions entail nerves.

It’s essential to Take into account that TOS shares some indicators with heart assault and stroke, that happen to be health-related emergencies. For instance:

Or there might be abnormalities in the ribs, neck muscles or close by ligaments. These variants might put stress within the nerves or blood vessels with your thoracic outlet.

Secondary causes can also result in TOS in people. If a affected individual contains a trapezius muscle mass deficiency, it might cause the shoulder to depress, which often can lead to the outlet to diminish, As a result escalating the stress.

Vendors purchase lab and imaging tests as wanted to confirm TOS and rule out other causes of your respective signs.

Look at to determine what transpires through and just after this decompression surgery, and that is a small risk and successful surgical treatment for sufferers diagnosed with neurogenic or venous TOS.