stock-image-28723589-xl-2015.jpg

Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The signs and symptoms of TOS include neck, shoulder, and arm pain, numbness or impaired circulation to the affected areas.

The pain of TOS is sometimes confused with the pain of angina (chest pain due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle), but the two conditions can be distinguished because the pain of thoracic outlet syndrome does not occur or increase when walking, while the pain of angina usually does. Additionally, the pain of TOS typically increases when raising the affected arm.

Signs and symptoms of TOS help determine the type of disorder a patient has. Thoracic outlet syndrome disorders differ, depending on the part(s) of the body they affect. Thoracic outlet syndrome most commonly affects the nerves, but the condition can also affect the veins and arteries (least common type). In all types of TOS, the thoracic outlet space is narrowed, and there is scar formation around the structures.

To learn more about the different types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome click HERE

* Information is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for consultation with a healthcare provider. Please make an appointment to see your physician if you suspect that you have TOS.