Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome and how can you help?

TOS: Patients with tos often find more symptoms when the arm is elevated overhead, and it is not unique to possess numbness and weakness in the involved hand. Headaches, especially over the back of the head, may be present, but tos has been reported as triggering migraine events. Feldenkreis therapy is often very helpful, but surgery may eventuate in about 10-15% of patients.

Depends: Thoracic outlet syndrome is compression of the nerve, artery, and vein at the thoracic outlet at the base of the neck. This can occur because of an extra rib, thickened muscles, or a previous collar bone fracture. The classic symptoms are neurologic, with the classic finding a decrease in arterial pressure with arm elevation. If there is no swelling or discoloration, venous obstruction is unlikely.