Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment in Bel Air, Maryland

Do I have Thoracic outlet Syndrome? What does it feel like?

Do you feel pain and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and hand?

The pain can be constant or sometimes only while you sleep or first thing in the morning. Symptoms may feel worse when arms are held overhead or when driving, lifting or carrying.

How is Thoracic Outlet treated?

Many times Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is misdiagnosed as something else.  Symptoms are similar to those of a Herniated Disc, Carpel Tunnel, or Bursitis in the shoulder. At Susquehanna Spine & Rehab our doctors will start with a detailed exam and consultation to determine which condition is causing your symptoms.

The experts at Susquehanna Spine & Rehab will find the true cause of your Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and customize a treatment plan to correct it. Thoracic outlet is a complex problem that involves the nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and the spine.  We combine chiropractic care, to address spinal misalignment,  massage therapy & physical therapy to address the muscle issue and rehabilitative exercises to strengthen the area and train the body how to work properly so the problem does not reoccur.

It is of great importance to alter the poor posture, ergonomics and body mechanics that started the condition in the first place.  Specialized soft tissue techniques such s ART, Graston or Gua Sha and or specific massage therapy techniques are used to release the trapped nerves and blood vessels.

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? How is it caused?

The nerves and blood vessels of the arm and hand begin in the neck and travel down over the rib cage through an area called the “thoracic outlet” before reaching the arm and hand. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs when the vessels and nerves are “squeezed” near the thoracic outlet because of enlarged, swollen, or damaged muscles and different bones. Repetitive motions, awkward arm movements or positions can cause Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Poor posture from neck issues, weight, and breast size can also cause the nerves to become compressed. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can also occur following an auto accident since the thoracic outlet and the seat belt path are in the same area. The seat belt can strain the muscles or cause them to tear. Thoracic Outlet syndrome is also very common in new moms dues to changes in posture and demands for caring for the new baby.