THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME: Causes and Solutions
THORACIC
OUTLET SYNDROME: Causes and Solutions
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a group of conditions that arises from the compression or irritation of the nerves and/or blood vessels (called the ‘Thoracic Outlet’) that serve the arms.
Two categories of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome exist:
- Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – compression of the blood vessels (2% of cases)
- Neurological Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – compression of the nerves (98% of cases)
The structures most at risk of compression are the subclavian artery, subclavian vein and the brachial plexus (nerves serving the arms).

By English: Nicholas Zaorsky, M.D. (English: Nicholas Zaorsky, M.D.) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original.
- Between the middle and anterior scalene muscles at the front of the neck
- Between the clavicle and 1st rib
- Beneath the coracoid process of the scapula (shoulder blade)
- Beneath the pectoralis minor muscle of the chest
Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Poor posture such as Upper Crossed Syndrome (the linked article touches on this)
- Anatomical defects such as a “cervical rib” (bony growth on vertebrae above first rib)
- Physical trauma
- Weight lifting
- Weight gain
Symptoms
- Numbness and/or tingling in the effected arm and/or hand
- Arm, neck and shoulder pain on the effected side
- Weakness in the effected arm and shoulder
- Discoloration of the effected arm (vascular category)
Treatment
In most cases of Thoracic outlet syndrome, conservative treatment is very effective. This consists of:
- Thorough examination of physical influences such as posture, muscular imbalance etc.
- Understanding of possible lifestyle influences such as work and sporting activities
- Hands on treatment to relieve symptoms and assist with postural correction
- Ergonomic desk setup advice where applicable
- Individualised rehabilitation exercises where necessary
For some relevant self help advice watch my video to learn the stretch your neck properly
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT