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Summary
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) causes pain in the shoulder, arm, and neck. It happens when the nerves or blood vessels just below your neck are compressed, or squeezed. The compression can happen between the muscles of your neck and shoulder or between the first rib and collarbone. You may feel burning, tingling, and numbness along your arm, hand, and fingers. If a nerve is compressed, you may also feel weakness in your hand. If a vein is compressed, your hand might be sensitive to cold, or turn pale or bluish. Your arm might swell and tire easily.
TOS is more common in women. It usually starts between 20 and 50 years of age. Doctors do nerve and imaging studies to diagnose it.
There are many causes of TOS, including:
- Injury
- Anatomical defects
- Tumors that press on nerves
- Poor posture that causes nerve compression
- Pregnancy
- Repetitive arm and shoulder movements and activity, such as from playing certain sports
Treatment depends on what caused your TOS. Medicines, physical therapy, and relaxation might help. Surgery may also be an option. Most people recover.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Learn More
-
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
(National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
-
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Venous thromboembolism treatment failure during use of factor Xa inhibitors-association with...
- Article: Rib-sparing subclavian vein decompression in venous thoracic outlet syndrome.
- Article: Treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome to relieve chronic migraine.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome -- see more articles
Patient Handouts
- Thoracic outlet syndrome (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.