About this topic
The thoracic outlet is the area between your collarbone and first rib. Blood vessels, nerves, and muscles run through this small space. Pressure on these structures can cause signs like numbness or tingling in the fingers. You may also have a weak grip or your hand feels cold. These problems are called thoracic outlet syndrome or TOS. There are three types of TOS. ‚
Most people with TOS get good results with physical therapy and other treatments. Surgery is not often needed. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Avoid activities that make your problem worse. Limit working with your hands over your head. Try not to lift and carry heavy objects if possible.
- Use good posture. Do not slouch.
- Start a weight loss program if you are overweight.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may also need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises and how to use good posture.
- Your doctor may have you go see a specialist who treats nerve problems or one who treats blood vessel problems.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent blood clots
Will physical activity be limited?
You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term damage to nerves or blood vessels
- Weakness in the arm muscles or muscles that help with breathing
- Blood clots
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Do not carry heavy bags or purses on your shoulder.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Always use good posture. Do not slouch.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Numbness or weakness in the arm or hand gets worse
- Hand becomes cold or pale
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more numbness or weakness in my arms or hands or my hands become cool or blue.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00336 ‚
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/thoracic/thoracic.htm ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1215/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚