Thoracic outlet syndrome
Overview
Thoracic outlet syndrome is where nerves or blood vessels near the top of the ribs get squashed. It can be treated with physiotherapy and medicine.
Symptoms
Thoracic outlet syndrome usually affects 1 arm and hand. Symptoms include: pins and needles – this can be worse at night and wake you upthe affected arm gets tired easilypain and swelling in the affected armthe affected hand and arm feels coldthe skin on the hand turns blue, grey or pale – this can be harder to see on brown or black skin
Causes
Thoracic outlet syndrome can happen if the nerves or blood vessels running along the top of the rib cage (an area called the thoracic outlet) become squashed. Things that can lead to thoracic outlet syndrome include: being born with an extra rib – this is known as a cervical ribpoor posturehaving large breastsan injury to the chest, neck or ribs (such as a car accident)jobs or activities that involve lots of repetitive arm movements (for example if you're a builder or do lots of swimming)gaining a lot of muscle (for example, if you're a body builder)
Treatment
Thoracic outlet syndrome is usually treated with: physiotherapy– a physiotherapist can teach you some stretching and strengthening exercises that reduce pressure on nerves and blood vesselsmedicines – you may need medicines to help treat pain, relax muscles, improve circulation and reduce your risk of blood clots Surgery may sometimes be recommended if you're having serious problems (such as blood clots) and other treatments have not worked. For example, if thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by having an extra rib (cervical rib), surgery to remove it may be recommended.