{"product_id":"2940152366075","title":"Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions","description":"\u003cp\u003eThoracic Outlet Syndrome\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of medical conditions which are caused by compression of nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, the area between the base of the neck and the armpit, including the front of the shoulders and chest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are three types of TOS:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. Vascular\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA compression of the artery and vein may be the pressure at the TOS.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. Neurogenic\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe nerves at the TOS may be compressed from an extra cervical rib, present at birth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. Disputed or painful form\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo neurological damage is observed but patients show neurological symptoms and pain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTypically Electromyography (EMG) studies of these patients are found to be normal but they still complain of pain.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat are the causes of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe reasons of thoracic outlet syndrome are:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. An enlargement of the tissues in or near the thoracic outlet may be due to:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ea. Trauma or injury\u003cbr\u003eb. Weight lifting\u003cbr\u003ec. Cervical rib (an extra rib extending from the neck present at birth)\u003cbr\u003ed. Weight gain\u003cbr\u003ee. Growth of a tumor\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. A change of the tissues in or near the thoracic outlet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThoracic outlet syndrome can happen from injury, disease or a congenital problem such as an abnormal cervical rib.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is more frequent in women than in men with an excess of between 3- and 9-fold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eObesity and poor posture may make the condition worse.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePsychological changes are present in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese psychological changes may be the cause or the effect of the syndrome.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is no obvious cause present in patients who suffer from TOS.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver 90% of all TOS cases are due to neurogenic causes whereas 3-5% are venous.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLess than 1% is arterial.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe true neurological form does not affect more than 1 person in 1 million\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe incidence is reported as between 3 and 80 per 1,000.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe beginning of the TOS is from the 2nd to the 8th decade with the highest in the 4th decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat are the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSymptoms\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSymptoms are dependent on which compression of nerves or blood vessels are done.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNerve compression symptoms are much more frequent than symptoms from blood vessel compression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA. Pressure on the nerves (brachial plexus)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. Neck, shoulder, and arm pain\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNerve pressure may cause a vague, aching pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. Numbness in the arm, hand or fingers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePain, numbness or tingling may be present on the inside of the forearm and the fourth and fifth fingers of the hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. Weakness in the shoulders, arm and hands\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeakness may make the hand clumsy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eB. Pressure on the blood vessels\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e1. Impaired circulation to the extremities (causing discoloration)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlood vessel pressure can decrease the flow of blood out of the arm which results in redness and swelling of the arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. Less frequently, pressure can reduce the blood flow into the arm and hand, causing the arm and hand feeling cool and easily tired.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHead activities are especially difficult because they make worse both types of compression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA depression in the shoulder or swelling or discoloration in the arm is present.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe range of motion may be limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow is TOS diagnosed?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe proper diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome will need the expert examination of experienced neurologists and nerve specialists.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eElevated arm stress test\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe elevated arm stress test is often done by doctors to help them diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe doctor will have you raise the arms over the head, then open and close the fists for approximately 3 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf this reproduces the symptoms, it is likely that you have thoracic outlet syndrome.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis elevation of arm stress test is clear in the diagnosis.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kenneth Kee","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47069705634032,"sku":"2940152366075","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940152366075_p0.jpg?v=1764019331","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940152366075","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}