Treatments & Conditions | Hand Microsurgery in Erie, PA

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The space between your first rib and your clavicle is known as the thoracic outlet. This slim passageway is loaded with blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. If the shoulder muscles in your chest are not strong enough to hold the collarbone in place, it can slip down and forward which puts pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that lie under it.

This causes a multitude of symptoms including:

• Faint, aching pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand
• Pain, numbness, or tingling on the inside of the forearm as well as the fourth and fifth fingers
• Swelling and/or redness in the arm
• Difficulty with overhead activities
• Limited range of motion

Thoracic outlet syndrome can result from injury, disease, or can be present from birth. Thoracic outlet syndrome is more common in women than men. Poor posture and obesity can also cause more irritation and discomfort. Psychological changes are often seen in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome but it is not known whether these changes are a cause or result of the syndrome.

Get orthopaedic help today, make an appointment at Hand Microsurgery in Erie, PA.