Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) | Try Vancouver Chiropractor | Dr. Michael Horowitz

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders involving compression at the superior thoracic outlet that affect the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck), and/or the subclavian artery and vein (blood vessels that pass between the chest and upper extremity).

The causes of the Thoracic outlet syndrome for the most part, these disorders are produced by compression of the components of the brachial plexus (the large cluster of nerves that pass from the neck to the arm), the subclavian artery, or the subclavian vein. These subtypes are referred to as neurogenic TOS (NTOS), arterial TOS, and venous TOS, respectively. The compression may be positional (caused by movement of the clavicle (collarbone) and shoulder girdle on arm movement) or static (caused by abnormalities or enlargement of the various muscles surrounding the arteries, veins and brachial plexus). The neurogenic form of Thoracic outlet syndrome accounts for 95% of all cases of TOS.

It is known that there are numerous anomalies of the scalene muscles and the other muscles that surround the arteries, veins and brachial plexus. TOS may result from these anomalies of the scalene muscles or from enlargement (hypertrophy) of the scalene muscles. One common cause of hypertrophy is trauma, as may occur in motor vehicle accidents. The two groups of people most likely to develop Thoracic outlet syndrome are those suffering neck injuries in motor vehicle accidents and those who use computers in non-ergonomic postures for extended periods of time. Young overhead athletes (such as swimmers, volleyball players and baseball pitchers) and musicians may also develop thoracic outlet syndrome, but significantly less frequently than the two large groups above.


Try these Stretches for Shoulder Pain & Discomfort. Practice Spinal Hygiene!


Hypervolt by Hyperice - Now offered at Hycroft Chiropractic!

Allow Dr. Michael Horowitz to work with your soft tissue injuries using The Hypervolt by Hyperice! Great for treating Tendonitis, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Elbow Pain, Hip Pain, Knee Pain and more!
Call 604-733-7744 for more Information.

 

Have your questions about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) in Vancouver answered by Dr. Michael Horowitz, by calling 604-733-7744 or filling out the form below:

* indicates required