top of page
Pink Liquid
Writer's pictureRain Green

How to Relieve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Updated: Aug 2

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders that occur when blood v

essels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause pain or aches in your neck, shoulder, arm or hand, Numbness or tingling in your arm or fingers.


Historically, TOS presents with symptom onset between the ages of 20–50 years old and is more prevalent in women

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Types

A systematic review by Sanders et al. described symptom distribution in neurogenic TOS to include upper extremity paresthesia (98%), neck pain (88%), trapezius pain (92%), shoulder and/or arm pain (88%), supraclavicular pain (76%), chest pain (72%), occipital headache (76%), and paresthesias in all five fingers (58%), the fourth and fifth fingers only (26%), or the first, second, and third fingers.


  • Pain in the shoulder and neck

  • Ache in the arm or hand

  • Altered sensation in the arm

  • Numbness or tingling in any area from neck to arm, hands or fingers

  • Muscle weakness in the arm

  • Weakness with grip


TOS symptoms are similar to the symptoms of many other conditions. A herniated disc in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand, and bursitis of the shoulder can all cause symptoms very much like those of TOS.


Causes of TOS

  • Poor Posture

Poor Posture Become the main cause of thoracic outlet syndrome

Slouching and drooping shoulders or forward head position can cause increased tension in the side neck muscles and stretching of the nerves, leading to compression in the thoracic outlet. Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and a rounded thoracic back can decrease the space by which the nerves and blood vessels can travel. The poor body alignment of slouching can compress the nerves and arteries near the thoracic outlet. Being overweight can cause problems with posture.


  • Trauma

Traumatic events e.g. car accident causing injury, bony or soft tissue changes to the thoracic area.


  • Repetitive Activities

Those involving repetitive overhead movements, prolonged typing on a computer, and poor lifting techniques can increase strain on tissues in the neck and shoulder to cause compression of the vascular and neural structures in the thoracic outlet.


  • Anatomical Defects

Extra rib from the neck at birth (cervical rib) narrowing the thoracic outlet and increasing the susceptibility of compression. or an abnormally tight fibrous band that connects the spine to the rib.


  • Muscle Enlargement

Increased muscle bulk at the neck and shoulders from weightlifting can increase susceptibility to compression of the thoracic outlet.


How to Relieve/Treat

If an individual is diagnosed with arterial or venous TOS, surgery is typically the only option due to the severity of the injury.


Surgical intervention for nTOS syndrome is reserved for patients who have failed conservative management. Conservative treatment including physical therapy need be trailed for at least 4–6 months prior to consideration of surgical intervention


a 4-6 months long physical therapy program will include stretches to improve flexibility, massage therapy to reduce pain, exercises to strengthen the region, and education on strategies to improve the health of the nerves and arteries located in the thoracic outlet.


Strengthening exercises alone will not alter the pathophysiology of TOS; a combination of strengthening, stretching, and postural adjustments must all be incorporated for improvements to be observed.


A home exercise program is essential to the treatment of TOS. This is true even if the cause of your TOS is an abnormality in the bones and muscles. You must consistently do your exercises to get the most benefit.


Thoracic extension, can help to open up the chest, improving breathing and reducing tightness and pain in surrounding joints, is extremely important for the health of your neck, shoulders, and arms.


Massage therapy is an excellent addition to most treatment plans for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The compression caused by the scalenes can be decreased by relieving those muscles of tension through direct massage.

Relieve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

LittleMum Trapezius Massager is recommended to help with TOS. This can help with:


  • Loosening up tight muscles and joints of the upper back and back which is around the compressed nerves and blood vessels

  • Releasing the surrounding soft tissue mobilizing adjacent joints, giving you stretches for muscles and nerves

  • Obtaining better range of motion in your neck and upper back

  • Stretching the muscles in the front of the chest


LittleMum Trapezius Massager is sturdy, highly resilience when compressed to loosen up your neck and upper back tight muscles. It lifts your head to support your neck in the aligned position to stretch the muscles in the front of the chest.

Use LittleMum Trapezius Massager to Relieve  Thoracic outlet syndrome

Lay on a LittleMum Trazpies massager with it going right down your spine and with your neck supported. Your feet should be flat on the ground with your knees bent. Bring your arms up and out at the side with your palms up. Let gravity pull your arms down creating a stretch in your chest. You will feel a deep stretch in your chest muscles while releasing your upper back and neck muscles.


If you are interested in trying the LittleMum Trapezius Trigger Point Massager, you can purchase it on Amazon using the link below. It comes with a 15-year warranty and 30-day free returns. It is also FSA or HSA eligible when purchased through Amazon.


The LittleMum Shoulder Deep Tissue Massager is another excellent option for those who prefer a deep tissue massage that can effectively target the deeper muscles of the upper back and neck.

Relieve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

LittleMum Shoulder Deep Tissue Massager's Six peak points smoothly release the muscles tension attached to neck and shoulder, such as Trapezius, Rhomboids, Levator Scapula, Latissimus Dorsi, while stretching out chest. It works all areas of the scapula so that tension in one area isn’t released at the expense of another.


The device features a patented design and is constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy core and food-grade silicone impregnated. It is weighted for precise placement and comes with a silicone coating for comfort, along with a 15-year warranty against defects.


It should be noted that even with the 5mm silicone coating, the massager remains as hard as plastic and may not be suitable for individuals who are highly sensitive to pain.


If you are interested in trying the LittleMum shoulder Deep Tissue Massager, you can purchase it on Amazon using the link below. It comes with a 15-year warranty and 30-day free returns. It is also FSA or HSA eligible when purchased through Amazon.




6,182 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

コメント


bottom of page