Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a condition that affects the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the neck and upper chest area. It occurs when there is compression on these structures between the collarbone and first rib. This can result in various symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers.While there are various conventional treatments for TOS such as physical therapy, medication, and surgery, many people are turning to alternative therapies like acupuncture to manage their symptoms. Neurofunctional Acupuncture is a well established way to target both the symptoms and the root cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Let’s take a closer look
Common symptoms and causes of TOS
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms
- Numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands
- Weakness in the grip and arm muscles
- Swelling or discoloration in the affected arm or hand
- Cold sensitivity in the fingers and hands
- Throbbing lumps near the collarbone
- Limited range of motion in the neck and arms
- Muscle wasting in the base of the thumb (in severe cases)
Understanding Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be classified into three main types based on the affected structures: neurogenic, venous, and arterial. Neurogenic TOS, the most common form, involves compression of the brachial plexus nerves and manifests predominantly as pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Venous TOS is characterized by compression of the subclavian vein, leading to swelling, discoloration, and impaired circulation in the arm. Arterial TOS, though less common, involves the subclavian artery and can result in cold sensitivity, muscle cramping, and significant pain due to restricted blood flow. Each type requires a tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment to effectively manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
Traditional treatment approaches and their limitations
Traditional treatment approaches for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome include physical therapy, medication, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Physical therapy aims to improve posture, strengthen muscles, and enhance range of motion in the neck and shoulders, which can alleviate pressure on the affected nerves and blood vessels. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants, are often prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, surgical options, such as decompression surgeries or rib resections, may be considered to relieve the compression. However, these traditional methods have their limitations. Physical therapy outcomes can be variable and require long-term commitment, medications often come with side effects and provide only temporary symptom relief, and surgeries carry inherent risks including complications and long recovery periods. Furthermore, not all patients respond to these conventional treatments, leading to a growing interest in alternative therapies such as acupuncture.
Anatomy of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome implicates several crucial anatomical structures, primarily the brachial plexus nerves, scalene muscles, and often the subclavian vessels.
The brachial plexus, an intricate network of nerves originating from the spinal cord in the neck, innervates the muscles and provides sensation to the arm and hand.
The scalene muscles, situated on either side of the neck, play a vital role in neck and shoulder movement but can contribute to nerve compression when tight or overdeveloped.
A Comprehensive Approach to Treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome with Neurofunctional Acupuncture
Neurofunctional acupuncture offers a precise way to address TOS by targeting both the nerves and muscles. By inserting fine needles at specific neuroanatomical points, acupuncture can reduce tension in the scalene muscles and other affected areas, while simultaneously modulating nerve activity to alleviate pain and restore proper function. This dual-action approach not only mitigates symptoms but also addresses the underlying causes of the compression, offering a comprehensive treatment strategy for TOS.
Case Examples from Dr. Hanson’s Patients
Recently I’ve had a slew of patients show up with thoracic outlet syndrome. I recently had a 47 year old female with numbness and tingling down her arm to her thumb and pointer finger. She also experienced burning pain into her chest and upper arm. The pain and sensations were worse while working and after a long day of work. She had a positive Wrights test and was limited range of motion in her neck. She also had a forward head posture.
On physical exam I was able to reproduce her exact symptoms by pressing on her scalene muscles.
We used Neurofunctional acupuncture along her scalenses, targeted her brachial plexus and followed the nerves down her arm along the radial nerve. After 3 visits her burning pain had resolved and she was able to get through her workday.
After 8 visits the numbness and tingling had resolved completely.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome then reach out to Dr. Hanson at 813-534-0311
