Pain in the Shoulder, Elbow, or Wrist? Get Checked for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is perplexing for many healthcare professionals because it can cause intense pain in the shoulder, chest, elbow or wrist – but the actual problem is located where the base of the neck meets the middle of the collar bone. 

People suffering from TOS are often diagnosed with shoulder bursitis, tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, but treatment typically fails to relieve the symptoms.

Gently grab the middle of your collar bone with your thumb and forefinger. Feel how tight that is! The thoracic outlet is behind and beneath the collar bone in this area. It’s an important tunnel where a bundle of nerves travel from the neck to the arm. When muscles of the lower neck, chest, and shoulder become tight, they pinch and constrict this sensitive nervous tissue. 

The location of pain varies – depending on which part of the nerve bundle is getting pinched. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is very common in people with jobs that require long hours of arm and hand use – such as using a computer. Anybody with wrist, elbow, or shoulder pain or numbness that is not responding to therapy should be evaluated for TOS.

At Tiferet Chiropractic, our unique blend of gentle chiropractic care and physical therapy is perfectly suited to diagnose and treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Our whole body approach to treatment means that anybody with shoulder, arm, or chest pain will be evaluated for TOS on their very first visit. 

Treatment involves deep tissue massage therapy to restore normal muscle tone to the shoulder, chest and arm and release the pinched nerve bundle. Gentle chiropractic care will restore normal mobility to the collar bone, rib cage, and upper back. Finally, we teach home exercise to insure that you will be able to take care of yourself and stay pain-free once treatment is completed.