Malaysian Thoracic Information

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome OR ‘Thoracic Outlet Syndrome’ is a term that refers to a condition that occurs when nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic duct are compressed. The thoracic cavity is the space between your collarbone and first rib.

These narrow passages are filled with blood vessels, muscles, and nerves. If the shoulder muscles on your chest aren’t strong enough to hold the collarbone in place, it can slip forward and forward, putting pressure on the underlying nerves and blood vessels. This is what causes Thoracic Duct Syndrome.

IS THE SHOULDER PAIN YOU’RE EXPERIENCED JUST NORMAL PAIN?
Symptoms of Thoracic duct syndrome
Thoracic duct syndrome symptoms can vary, depending on which structure is compressed.

  1. Signs of vascular thoracic outlet syndrome include:
  2. Discoloration of your hands (bluish tint)
  3. Arm pain and swelling, possibly due to blood clots
  4. A blood clot in a vein or artery in your upper body
  5. Lack of color (pallor) in one or more of your fingers or your entire hand
  6. Weak or no pulse in the affected arm
  7. Coldness in the fingers, hands or arms
  8. Activity causes fatigue in the arms
  9. A tingling sensation in your fingers
  10. Arm or neck weakness

Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The main cause of thoracic outlet syndrome is narrowing of the thoracic outlet space, which causes pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the area. This narrowing of the thoracic outlet space can be triggered by several things, including:

1. Abnormal Body Structure

One of the triggers for thoracic outlet syndrome is the presence of an abnormal body structure since birth, such as an additional rib that appears on the top of the first rib or abnormal tissue growth that connects the spine to the ribs.

2. Injury

Injury, especially to the chest, can also trigger thoracic outlet syndrome. Some conditions that can cause injury and cause thoracic outlet syndrome are as follows:

  • Car accidents.
  • Incorrect posture while exercising.
  • Lifting excessive weights above the head for a long time.

3. Other Causes

In addition to the factors mentioned above, thoracic outlet syndrome can also be triggered by certain conditions, such as:

  • Obesity which causes excessive pressure on the joints.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Poor posture habits, such as hunching.
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome tend to vary, depending on the part of the body affected. The following is a complete explanation of each symptom of thoracic outlet syndrome:

1. Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is the most common type of thoracic outlet syndrome. This syndrome will affect the brachial plexus nerves related to the upper limbs, namely the arms, shoulders, and fingers. Some of the symptoms that will arise include:

  • Pain in the shoulders, arms, hands, or neck. This pain will worsen when the limb is moved.
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms or fingers.
  • Weakened grip.

2. Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

As the name suggests, arterial thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when one of the arteries under the shoulder blade is under pressure. This type of thoracic outlet syndrome is the rarest and is usually the result of a congenital abnormality. The common symptoms of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome are as follows:

  • Cold fingers, hands, or arms.
  • Pain in the arms and hands.
  • Pale or bluish arms or fingers.
  • Arms feel weak.

3. Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is a type of thoracic outlet syndrome that occurs when the veins under the shoulder blade are under pressure. This condition can cause blood clots in the body.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment

Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome depends on the severity and the part of the body affected. Some medical procedures to treat thoracic outlet syndrome are as follows: Physiotherapy, to train flexibility and strength of the shoulder muscles, and improve posture.
Medication, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers if thoracic outlet syndrome causes inflammation and muscle pain.
Surgery, to repair pinched nerves or blood vessels.

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