Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a compression of the nerves and vessels that go to the arm as they emerge from the base of the neck. This compression can result in pain, numbness and odd feelings in the affected arm, especially when using the arm in overhead activities or in prolonged use of the arm. Fortunately, this condition is amenable to physical therapy, namely exercises to the shoulder girdle to prevent sloping of the shoulder, which tends to aggravate compression about the nerve and vessels at the base of the neck. These exercises can be done very easily by most patients at home and sometimes are done under the guidance of a physical therapist. Eighty percent of patients will respond to the exercises. Of the 20% that do not respond to exercise, surgery is usually necessary to decompress the space where the nerve and vessels are compressed. 1. THORACIC OUTLET DAILY EXERCISES Stand erect with arms at side: A Shrug shoulders forward and upward B Relax C Shrug shoulders backward and up...