Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Help For Those In Te Puke

Can you imagine being told by doctors that the only “approved” medical treatment for your condition is to have your first rib removed? This is what Alex (a colleagues patient) was told after being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Te Puke several years ago.

Te Puke Chiropractor Explains Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (or TOS as it’s commonly referred to) is not a common household term, but if you have experienced the pain symptoms associated with it, you are probably very aware of this condition.  At Te Puke Chiropractic we are trained in recognizing and treating the pain associated with this disorder.  Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a rare condition involving pain in the shoulders and neck, and pain, tingling and weakness of the fingers (including a weakened grip).  A syndrome typically means a “group of disorders”, and in this case it occurs in the space between the first rib and clavicle (collarbone), which is known as the thoracic outlet.  The nerves and/or blood vessels in this space become compressed, leading to numbness and pain. An often made claim is that the only approach is to surgically remove your first rib. This condition can be found hiding behind Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Forward Head Posture. It is known to be aggravated by poor posture.

There are multiple factors that can lead up to thoracic outlet syndrome such as:  auto accidents or other traumatic event, work injuries (especially from repetitive motions), sports injuries, pregnancy, and even from anatomical abnormalities such as having an extra rib, a too-tight, fibrous band connecting the spine to the ribs, and people with long necks and droopy shoulders (or poor posture).

In addition to the pain and weakness associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome above, symptoms include:

• Difficulty with fine-motor tasks
• Discoloration of the hand
• Swelling in the arm or hand
• Cold hands and/or fingers
• Easily fatigues arms/hands
• Throbbing lump near the clavicle

Chiropractic care at Te Puke Chiropractic is VERY effective at treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  An individualized care plan for each patient is made, presented to the patient, and then treatment can begin.  Treatment may include:  chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, home exercises, and ergonomic counselling.  If caught early, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is relatively easy to treat.  If the condition has been present a long time before treatment is sought, recovery can take longer.

For the majority of those checked in our clinic with these sorts of problems, there has either been a significant overall improvement or it has completely solved the problem. If you or someone you know is suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome or other problems, call us at 07 573 3099 for a complimentary consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Dr. David Guest is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Mount Maunganui and Te Puke Chiropractic in the Bay of Plenty.  Dr. Guest focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 17 years. You can reach Dr. Guest at david@mtchiro.co.nz or (07) 574 3099.