Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment in Ormond Beach
If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in your shoulder, arm, or hand, the problem may not be your wrist- it could be a condition called thoracic outlet syndrome. At New Journey Chiropractic, we take a neurologically-focused, whole-body approach to evaluate where nerve or blood vessel irritation may be occurring and develop a personalized care plan to help restore comfortable movement and function.
What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a group of conditions that occur when the nerves, arteries, or veins traveling from the neck into the arm become compressed as they pass through the thoracic outlet. This narrow space is located between your collarbone (clavicle), first rib, and surrounding muscles.
The most common type is neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the brachial plexus – a network of nerves that supplies the shoulder, arm, and hand. Less commonly, compression can involve the veins (venous TOS) or arteries (arterial TOS), which require prompt medical evaluation and management.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Pain in the neck, shoulder, or upper back
- Aching or heaviness in the arm
- Weakness in the hand or grip
- Symptoms that worsen when reaching overhead
- Pain while carrying heavy bags or backpacks
- Coldness or color changes in the hand (vascular TOS)
- Swelling of the arm or hand
- Muscle fatigue with repetitive arm movements
- Headaches associated with neck and shoulder tension
Possible Causes
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may develop from several contributing factors, including:
- Poor posture or forward head posture
- Rounded shoulders
- Repetitive overhead activities
- Previous neck, shoulder, or clavicle injuries
- Whiplash
- Tight scalene or pectoralis muscles
- Repetitive lifting at work
- Congenital anatomical differences, such as a cervical rib
- Sports involving repetitive overhead motion
- Pregnancy-related postural changes
Red Flags
Because several other conditions can produce similar symptoms—including cervical radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and peripheral neuropathy—a comprehensive examination is important.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden arm swelling, severe discoloration, a cold or pale hand, loss of pulse, chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden severe weakness, or symptoms following significant trauma.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we evaluate the entire kinetic chain—not just the area where you feel symptoms. Our goal is to determine whether your discomfort is related to nerve irritation, muscle imbalance, posture, spinal mechanics, or another underlying condition.
Your evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive health history
- Orthopedic and neurological examination
- Posture assessment
- Cervical spine evaluation
- Shoulder mobility assessment
- Functional movement evaluation
- Upper extremity neurological testing
- Neurological scans when appropriate
Your personalized care plan may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine, upper thoracic spine, ribs, and shoulder complex when appropriate
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension in the neck, chest, and shoulders
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization when indicated
- Postural correction exercises
- Stretching for the scalene, pectoral, and upper back muscles
- Strengthening exercises for the upper back and shoulder stabilizers
- Ergonomic recommendations for work and home
- Activity modification to reduce repetitive strain
- Home exercises to improve mobility and posture
If your examination suggests vascular thoracic outlet syndrome, significant neurological deficits, or another condition requiring additional evaluation, we will coordinate care with your primary care provider, vascular specialist, neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, or physical medicine specialist as appropriate.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
If your examination suggests significant nerve compression, progressive weakness, worsening neurological symptoms, or another condition outside the scope of chiropractic care, we will coordinate care with your primary care provider, neurologist, orthopedic specialist, or other appropriate healthcare provider.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed as they travel from the neck into the arm through a narrow space called the thoracic outlet.
Can chiropractic help thoracic outlet syndrome?
Depending on the underlying cause, conservative care may help improve posture, restore joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and improve movement patterns. Your examination will determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
How is thoracic outlet syndrome different from carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome affects nerves or blood vessels much higher up, near the neck and shoulder. Although symptoms can be similar, the source of the problem is different.
Will I need imaging?
Not everyone requires imaging. If your history or examination suggests vascular involvement, significant nerve injury, or another serious condition, we may recommend imaging or referral for additional testing.
When should I seek emergency medical care?
Seek emergency care if you develop sudden swelling, severe discoloration, loss of pulse, a cold hand, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden severe weakness in the arm.
Ready to Find the Source of Your Arm Symptoms?
Pain, numbness, and tingling don’t always start where you feel them. Our team is here to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and create a personalized care plan to help you move more comfortably and confidently.
Or call our office to learn how New Journey Chiropractic can help you take the next step toward better movement and lasting relief.
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Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently working toward her Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics. She combines her nursing and chiropractic backgrounds to provide individualized, evidence-informed care that focuses on improving movement, supporting nervous system health, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we believe successful care begins with identifying the root cause of your symptoms not simply treating where the pain is felt.