What is a good treatment plan for treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? The key to treating TOS is to eliminate the drooping shoulders. In order to improve one's ability to hold the arms up and keep the shoulders from sagging towards the ground, reducing the weight of the arms is very important. Less weight reduces the load on the fatigued and weakened shoulder muscles. This goal calls for body weight reduction via good nutrition and exercise. The exercises should not only target a good aerobic program, but should also target strengthening the shoulder muscles like: the trapezius and the rhomboids. Postural habits must also be changed because strength is useless unless it is properly used. Good postural habits start by holding the shoulders in a slightly shrugged position especially when carrying something over the shoulder (like a heavy purse) or holding something heavy in the arms. Until someone can build strength and lose the excess weight in order to support the arms naturally, another weapon to keep the pressure off the thoracic outlet must be deployed-armrests. That's right; supporting the arms with armrest also takes the pressure off the sensitive nerves in the thoracic outlet. Many types of armrests can help: chairs, pillows, and articulating arm supports attached to a desk. Ultimately, a treatment plan for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is designed to reduce the pressure on the nerves that are enclosed in the thoracic outlet.
Because Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is so elusive and baffling, it is worthwhile mentioning that other conditions may be incorrectly identified as TOS or may not be correctly identified as TOS. A cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy can closely mimic TOS or exist along with TOS. Ulnar nerve entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) or median nerve entrapment (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) can also mimic TOS. Even tendonitis, like Tennis Elbow, can really be a case of TOS. For this reason, someone who has persistent arm pain with abnormal sensations should see a specialist. With a careful examination, the presence of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can become clear as day.
