Laser Spine Institute Facebook Friends Asked What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?

Submitted by LSI on Tue, 10/19/2010 - 10:16

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Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a combination of pain in the neck and shoulder, numbness and tingling of the fingers, and a weak grip. Laser Spine Institute Friends in Facebook asked us if TOS is an odd condition. Compared to the cervical (upper) and lumbar (lower) sections of the spine, your thoracic (middle) spine is much less likely to develop degenerative spine conditions. One reason for this is because your thoracic spine is not responsible for the same weight-bearing duties as other sections of the spine, as the cervical spine supports the head and neck, while the lumbar supports the majority of your body weight. Furthermore, the thoracic spine is attached to and protected by the ribcage, is relatively rigid, and is not responsible for the large amounts of bending, twisting, and flexing movements that the upper and lower spinal sections allow. However, that doesn't mean thoracic spine conditions are nonexistent – they are just more uncommon.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is one such rare condition. It occurs when nerves or blood vessels that travel from the spine to the arms become compressed in a narrow space near the shoulder and armpit. The compression can be caused by a number of factors, such as trauma from a car accident, on-the-job or sports-related injuries, overuse, or even an anatomical abnormality such as an extra cervical rib that can place pressure on nerves and blood vessels. Sometimes, it's even possible that doctors simply can't pinpoint a specific cause for this syndrome, as it may have been an injury that occurred well in the past that is just now causing issues.

Treatment options for thoracic outlet syndrome typically include conservative, nonsurgical methods such as physical therapy. This type of therapy can strengthen upper body muscles, improve range of motion, and promote better posture – all of which can help manage the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Pain medications such as oxycodone, lyrica and diazepam are among the most used drugs to soothe the symptoms of this condition.

While these conservative treatments are often effective in managing the pain and symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome and other spinal conditions, some individuals simply can't find relief through these methods and instead turn to surgical procedures as a last resort. Are you suffering from pain and other symptoms related to a spinal condition? Have you failed to find relief through conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication? If so, contact Laser Spine Institute today for a complimentary review of your MRI films or CT scans. You can also meet one-on-on with a Laser Spine Institute physician at one of our complimentary medical seminars offered nationwide. Visit our website to learn more, and to find out how tens of thousands of patients have relied upon the orthopedic experts at Laser Spine Institute Surgical Centers to help them rediscover their lives without back and neck pain.

Also, be sure to join in the conversation on our Facebook page and discuss with other members the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for thoracic spinal conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome. While these conditions might be rare, you certainly aren't alone in dealing with chronic pain. Engage in the discussion and talk to other patients about what their experiences have been like while dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome and other spine conditions.

*Picture courtesy of Laser Spine Institute Facebook Page.

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