Do you have tingling hands? One of the most common conditions we treat at Our Chiro Brisbane Chiropractic and Musculoskeletal Clinic is a condition that can affect the whole arm, from the neck, down to the tips of your fingers, known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
TOS is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that are caused by compression of nerves and blood vessels as they pass from the neck, through the shoulder and down the arm towards the hand.
Apart from tingling hands, there are other common symptoms across 3 types of TOS
- Nerve-related TOS: This equates to 95% of all incidences of TOS. Nerve compression in the shoulder region can cause pins and needles or numbness of the hands and fingers, aches and pains in the neck, shoulder and armpit region, changes in the colour of your hand, as well as making your hand cold. Additionally, long term nerve-related TOS can lead to muscle wasting in the hands.
- Vein-related TOS: This equates to 4% of all incidences of TOS. Compression of the main vein can cause pale skin colour, coldness of the limb, swelling of the fingers and arm, weakness of the arm, as well as pins and needles and numbness.
- Artery-related TOS: This equates to 1% of all incidences of TOS. Compression of the main artery can cause colour and temperature changes in the hands and fingers, swelling, pins and needles, reduced blood circulation, as well as heaviness of the arm, hands and fingers.
There are many different things that can lead to the development of TOS symptoms.
Some of the known causes include:
- A chronic poor posture of rounded, drooping shoulders
- An elevated 1st rib
- A depressed (or fractured) collar bone
- Tight scalene muscles in the neck
- Tight pec muscles (specifically the ‘pec minor’ muscle)
- Cervical ribs (a rare phenomenon whereby a person has an extra rib that attaches to the bottom neck vertebrae, just above where the normal rib cage sits)
- Tumours that grow into the space
- Repetitive overhead/overarm throwing sports
Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Treatment at Our Chiro Brisbane chiropractic and musculoskeletal clinic focuses on the cause. For the different biomechanical causes of thoracic outlet syndrome we will use different treatment technique combinations for individual patient needs. Some treatments techniques that we use at the clinic are mobilisations, dry needling, adjustments of the neck and back, kinesiology taping, cold laser and rehabilitation exercises.
Our advice to you
If the picture we have painted above sounds remarkably like what you are experiencing, then help is at hand. Please contact us today and book your appointment now with one of our experienced practitioners.
This blog post was written and approved by Dr Simon Nash
Dr Simon Nash (M.Chiro, B.Chiro Sci.) is a chiropractor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He is a full professional member of Sports Medicine Australia (SMA) and Chiropractic Australia, and is AHPRA registered (CHI0000970189). Simon graduated from Macquarie University and is dual-registered to practise in Australia and Hong Kong.
He began his career in a multidisciplinary neurology-focused clinic in Sydney, developing a strong interest in treating headaches and migraines. Since 2006, he has operated Our Chiro Brisbane, now alongside his sisters Jessica and Rebecca.
Simon treats everyday injuries, workplace rehabilitation cases and complex presentations using a wide range of techniques. His sports medicine experience spans elite athletes including NRL and Rugby Union players, Olympians, and events like the Australian Open and Hong Kong 7s. He has also treated Guns N’ Roses during tour.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or replace professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a chiropractor, GP, or other qualified health professional regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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