Can you heal from TOS?
Surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome, called thoracic outlet decompression, may be performed using several different approaches. These approaches involve removing a muscle and a portion of the first rib to relieve compression. You may also need surgery to repair compressed blood vessels.
How long does it take to recover from TOS?
Recovery: Most patients will feel some level of discomfort/pain as they recover from surgery for at least 1-2 weeks. Return to activity: Patients often to return to light activity in seven to 10 days. Returning to work, therefore, will depend on the physical demands of the job.
How do you heal neurological TOS?
Neurogenic TOS is initially treated with physical therapy approaches to:Relieve scalene/pectoralis muscle spasm.Improve relevant postural disturbances.Enhance functional limb mobility.Strengthen associated shoulder girdle musculature.Diminish repetitive strain exposure in the workplace.
Does TOS get worse over time?
Symptoms can be relieved without permanent damage in many cases, but prolonged pressure on the nerves and blood vessels leading to your arm can lead to damage.
Is TOS permanent?
Although many cases of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) can't be prevented, the condition is treatable. If left untreated, TOS can cause complications, such as: Permanent arm swelling and pain (especially in patients with venous TOS)
Is TOS surgery risky?
Complications of TOS surgery include the recurrence of symptoms, brachial plexus, phrenic nerve, long thoracic nerve, complete or transient paralysis, subclavian artery and vein injuries, axillary artery thrombosis, hemothorax, pneumothorax, chylothorax, permanent damage to the brachial plexus, severe sequelae such as ...
What aggravates thoracic outlet syndrome?
Common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include physical trauma from a car accident, repetitive injuries from job- or sports-related activities, certain anatomical defects (such as having an extra rib), and pregnancy. Sometimes doctors don't know the cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.
How debilitating is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Pain, numbness and tingling in the hands or arms can be debilitating. These symptoms can make it difficult or impossible for a person to work or carry out normal daily activities.
Is TOS a disability?
Because TOS is an unlisted disability, you may need the help of a Pittsburgh disability attorney to obtain your benefits.
How do you reverse thoracic outlet syndrome?
0:522:56How to get rid of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Top 3 Stretches)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you can't hold your arm up for that long then there's a good chance you have thoracic outletMoreIf you can't hold your arm up for that long then there's a good chance you have thoracic outlet syndrome. When you lower your hands compare the color the affected side will often appear more pale due
What happens if thoracic outlet is left untreated?
If left untreated, thoracic outlet syndrome can lead to serious complications, such as blood clots or pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that happens when a blood clot travels to your lungs and suddenly blocks blood flow. Thoracic outlet syndrome can also cause permanent nerve damage.
Can TOS cause brain fog?
It has potential to cause numerous types and areas of pain, such as neuralgia in the arms, chest, between the shoulder blades and in the back (figure 1), dizziness, brain fog, migraine, headaches, a feeling of being “heavy-headed”, etc.
How do you reverse thoracic outlet syndrome?
0:522:56How to get rid of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Top 3 Stretches)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you can't hold your arm up for that long then there's a good chance you have thoracic outletMoreIf you can't hold your arm up for that long then there's a good chance you have thoracic outlet syndrome. When you lower your hands compare the color the affected side will often appear more pale due
Does a neurologist treat thoracic outlet syndrome?
For treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome, you will benefit from our multidisciplinary approach, with insights from neurology, neurosurgery and orthopaedics, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation.
How common is neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome?
The incidence of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is completely unknown, and has been wildly overestimated in the past.
Is arterial thoracic outlet syndrome serious?
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome is the most dangerous type of thoracic outlet syndrome. Without treatment, ATOS can cause severe blood clots in your arteries. The clots can affect blood flow to your arm and hand. Rarely, the blood clots can also travel to your brain and cause strokes.
What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Symptoms
- The most common thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms include: (5) 1. Tenderness in the supraclavicular area (the space above the clavicle where the chest, esophagus, and lungs meet). 2. Feeling numbness, tingling and/or “pins and needles” in the arms and hands (also called paresthesias). This is most likely to happen when lifting and elevating the hands. 3. Weakness i…
Causes and Risk Factors
- Among doctors who specialize in treating conditions such as TOS, there is still some ongoing debate about the exact physiological causes of the condition. Many agree that TOS is tied to compression of the brachial plexus or subclavian vessels that run down the neck to the armpit and arms. (6) The nerves that lead to the arms come from the spine out through the neck, throu…
Conventional Treatment
- What does research suggest about thoracic outlet syndrome prognosis? Most people with TOS will find relief from symptoms if they follow an exercise and physical therapy program that addresses compression of their nerves and arteries. However, some people with more severe cases of TOS, especially vascular and neurogenic TOS, may need to use medicati...
Stretches and Exercises
- Below you’ll find thoracic outlet syndrome exercises that experts recommend you ideally perform daily to help manage your symptoms. Always perform TOS exercises slowly and carefully so you don’t strain yourself and cause more pain. The goal is to perform upper body andshoulder exercisesto help strengthen your chest and to stretch tight areas to the point where a stretch is f…
Prevention
- Precautions
If you’re treating thoracic outlet syndrome for the first time, I recommend you consult a physician before beginning any treatment program. Be sure to rule out any other conditions that may be causing you pain and discomfort. If you notice symptoms getting worse when you begin exercisi…