Question 1

if i do the "hands up" test for thoracic outlet syndrome and my opposite hand turns white and pulses and tingles.. what does that mean ?

Accepted Answer

May have TOS: On the surface, you describe potential compression of blood vessels and nerves over the lower brachial plexus.  This could be consistent with thoracic outlet, but could merely represent a transient compression due to a relatively small area over your shoulder/chest region.  If you are concerned have your doctor assess this.

Question 2

does thoracic outlet syndrome always effect the hand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, are frequently: The compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian – axillary arteries and veins generate what is called the thoracic outlet syndrome.
Symptoms related to the neurological component are very frequent; and are mainly related to the distal upper extremities such as the hands and forearms.
In summary I would say symptoms affecting the hand and very frequent, probably in the range of 90 – 95 %

Question 3

my hand has a bluish hue, is this a sign of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Not usually.: T.O.S. Usually has neurologic implications(numbness, tingling, decrease in the range of motion of the extremity).  Sounds like you are describing something vascular in nature; best to have your doctor check it out and determine which one you are ailing from.

Question 4

diagnosed w/thoracic outlet syndrome. fall from bike on left side of face 6 yrs back. burning in both hands, right trapezius seizes up. will pt  help?

Accepted Answer

Good idea: Physical therapy is the best first line treatment for TOS. You sound like you have neurogenic TOS. A good trial of physical therapy is the best choice before pursuing 1st rib decompression.

Question 5

can bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome be caused by mobile phone use (holding phone up with both hands and using thumbs to constantly type / scroll / laptop use - for approx 7 hours a day every day. ?

Accepted Answer

Doubtful : Very doubtful that typical holding of cell phone will cause this. Thumb joint pain may be a different matter;however.

Question 6

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 7

i've been diagnosed with bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome. i often wake during the night with excruciating pain in both of my hands, arms and shoulders. my question is, what can i do to help relieve it right then? pt only made it worse. thank you?

Accepted Answer

: If indeed the diagnosis is accurate, you should consult with an experienced vascular surgeon, as a last resort intervention might indeed be surgical (excellent surgeons are scattered about the country).  Re. "right then", avoid elevating arms above chest level and monitor posture at night.  PT can work if the therapist has experience with brachial plexus therapy (not so common).  ?virtual consult?

Question 8

thumb, wrist and shoulder pain- could this be thoracic outlet syndrome as there is numbness in hands as well.

Accepted Answer

Thoracic outlet synd: Very unlikely. Tos typically effects the 5th finger not the thumb. Your symptoms are more consistent with a C6 radiculopathy (pinched nerve) at the neck. You should see your doctor for verification.

Question 9

can thoracic outlet syndrome cause tingling in both left hand and left foot?

Accepted Answer

No: Anatomically Thoracic Outlet Syndrome only affects the upper extremities.

Question 10

intermittent claudication from thoracic outlet syndrome by tight scalene? on and off aching arm, cold hand, tingling, weakness. dr appt next week ok?

Accepted Answer

TOS: If your symptoms are worsening would get evaluated sooner as you need to define if you are experiencing arterial insufficency  which needs more immediate attention

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Doctor answers about:

Thoracic outlet syndrome hands up test

A member asked:

If i do the "hands up" test for thoracic outlet syndrome and my opposite hand turns white and pulses and tingles.. what does that mean ?

A member asked:

Does thoracic outlet syndrome always effect the hand?

A member asked:

My hand has a bluish hue, is this a sign of thoracic outlet syndrome?

A member asked:

Diagnosed w/thoracic outlet syndrome. fall from bike on left side of face 6 yrs back. burning in both hands, right trapezius seizes up. will pt help?

A member asked:

Can bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome be caused by mobile phone use (holding phone up with both hands and using thumbs to constantly type / scroll / laptop use - for approx 7 hours a day every day. ?

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:

I've been diagnosed with bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome. i often wake during the night with excruciating pain in both of my hands, arms and shoulders. my question is, what can i do to help relieve it right then? pt only made it worse. thank you?

A member asked:

Thumb, wrist and shoulder pain- could this be thoracic outlet syndrome as there is numbness in hands as well.

A member asked:

Can thoracic outlet syndrome cause tingling in both left hand and left foot?

A member asked:

Intermittent claudication from thoracic outlet syndrome by tight scalene? on and off aching arm, cold hand, tingling, weakness. dr appt next week ok?

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