Question 1

can thoracic outlet syndrome kill you by damaging important nerves and arteries?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Although it can cause significant disability (extremity numbness, weakness, etc.) if not attended to.  Physical therapy helps in many people and sometimes removing the first rib and removing scar tissue can significantly improve more severely affected patients.

Question 2

with thoracic outlet syndrome what is the chance of vein artery compression if arms are same color temp and not swollen?how large is risk of clots?

Accepted Answer

Neuro vs vascular: There are two types of thoracic outlet syndrome:
neurological and vascular. When nerves are compressed symptoms are: numbness, pain and weakness. Vascular thoracic outlet: color change, pain swelling. Good news are tos is treatable and complications can be eliminated by nonsurgical or surgical modality.

Question 3

i have arterial or venous thoracic outlet syndrome and have been lifting weights again. is this safe? my hands are a little numb after.

Accepted Answer

Thoracic outlet: Syndrome is compression of nerves or blood vessels, or combination of both. The most common factors is muscle enlargement due to the weight lifting. I think you should not do any active upper body exercises.
Rec.: see your physician for evaluation, patient education and proper referral for treatment.

Question 4

is thoracic outlet syndrome and pinched nerves the same?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No: Thoracic outlet syndrome involves "pinching" of nerves at a specific site (the thoracic outlet).  Pinched nerves is not a specific diagnosis; a diagnosis depends on what nerves and where the "pinch" is.

Question 5

having thoracic outlet syndrome issues because of first rib cartilage/ligament tear.  rib moves and irritates nerves.  what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic outlet: A wide variety of causes for tos. Consider evaluation by specialist with special interest in this. Etiology may be related to rib, vascular, or fascial sling impingement.

Question 6

if untreated, how much bodily nerve damage can thoracic outlet syndrome cause?

Accepted Answer

Significant: Thoracic outlet syndrome can be frustrating as the nerve compression can lead to weakness and/or muscle wasting into the arm/upper extremity.  Fortunately, it can be treated with some simple manual medicine techniques(i know because i had the unfortunate circumstance to suffer from it)...So if you can find a reputable osteopath he/she can help you recover.

Question 7

can thoracic outlet syndrome affect breathing or the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

TOS: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome involves the nerves traveling through the shoulder at the level of the 1st rib. The phrenic nerve does not typically travel through the outlet and is usually on the anterior scalene muscle that forms the anterior border of the outlet. Occasionally an accessory phrenic nerve may be dominant and travel through the outlet but I have not seen any cases with breathing problems.

Question 8

first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome 6 months ago still haven't gotten relief pain just as bad. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This is a difficult situation diagnosis to deal with.  There can be other reasons for the pain and I think you should see your surgeon again, and possibly a pain specialist.

Question 9

i'm looking for a doctor near los angeles who specializes in thoracic outlet syndrome. i don't have a diagnosis yet. how can i get a referral?

Accepted Answer

Primary Care Doc.: Not really necessary to see a specialist until you have something special.  Should see your regular doc first to discuss your symptoms and see if further evaluation is necessary.

Question 10

anyone out there ever treat thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic outlet: This is from compression of brachial plexus from first rib first try physical therapy before first rib removal if diagnosis has been confirmed.

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Doctor answers about:

Can thoracic outlet syndrome kill you by damaging important nerves and arteries

A member asked:

Can thoracic outlet syndrome kill you by damaging important nerves and arteries?

A member asked:

With thoracic outlet syndrome what is the chance of vein artery compression if arms are same color temp and not swollen?how large is risk of clots?

A member asked:

I have arterial or venous thoracic outlet syndrome and have been lifting weights again. is this safe? my hands are a little numb after.

A member asked:

Is thoracic outlet syndrome and pinched nerves the same?

A member asked:

Having thoracic outlet syndrome issues because of first rib cartilage/ligament tear. rib moves and irritates nerves. what can i do?

A member asked:

If untreated, how much bodily nerve damage can thoracic outlet syndrome cause?

A member asked:

Can thoracic outlet syndrome affect breathing or the phrenic nerve?

A member asked:

First rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome 6 months ago still haven't gotten relief pain just as bad. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

I'm looking for a doctor near los angeles who specializes in thoracic outlet syndrome. i don't have a diagnosis yet. how can i get a referral?

A member asked:

Anyone out there ever treat thoracic outlet syndrome?

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