If you are searching the web looking for information on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, you will find that there is a lot of controversy regarding the existence and diagnosis of this condition. I can tell you without reservation, that it is a real condition, with real symptoms and is more common than the medical community realizes. The problem lies in the definition of the condition. Let's give you an example!
Let's say we discover a new fruit that smells like an apple, tastes like an apple, even has the consistency of an apple...but it's color is blue. Being that there has never been a blue apple, it may not be called an apple. It may be given the name "BlueFruit". But does it really matter what you call it, when you eat it...It's an apple.
I am not really overly concerned about whether my patients officially have the diagnosis or label Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
What I do care about is whether they have pressure on their nerves in one or more places and whether we can decrease that pressure and increase the health of the nerves that are contributing to their symptoms.
Below you will find how some of the TOS experts define the condition:
ATOSA, American Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Association
"Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a complex condition involving compression, irritation or direct injury of major structures within the thoracic outlet such as the subclavian vein, subclavian artery and the Brachial Plexus. TOS can be very painful, debilitating and sometimes life and limb threatening."
CARLOS A. SELMONOSKY, M.D.
"The thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of symptoms arising not only from the upper extremity, but also from the chest, neck, shoulders and head.
The symptoms are produced by a positional, intermittent compression of the brachial plexus and/or subclavian artery vein and the vertebral artery."
RICHARD J. SANDERS, M.D.
"The simple definition of thoracic outlet syndrome is neurovascular symptoms in the upper extremities due to pressure on the nerves and vessels in the thoracic outlet area. The specific structures compressed are usually the nerves of the brachial plexus and occasionally the subclavian artery or subclavian vein."
E.W. POLLAK, M.D.
"Symptoms and signs of thoracic outlet syndrome are due to the compression or irritation of the neurovascular bundle at the various levels of the cervico-auxillary and thoraco-brachial passages.
Depending on the exact site of injury and the injury component of the neurovascular bundle, three distinct syndromes or a combination thereof may be encountered. One, neurological syndrome - Two, arterial syndrome - Three, venous syndrome. A careful history and physical examination leads to a positive diagnosis in most instances."
MARC A. WEINBERG, D.C.
Developer of the Thoracic Outlet Relief Center and Home Relief Kit
"Simply...We all know what a pinched nerve is and we all have experienced what our leg or arm feels like when it "falls asleep". We also know that this comes from pressure on the nerve and/or blood vessel. Imagine what would happen if the nerves or blood vessels of your arm were frequently pressured when you move your arms, sit at the computer, comb your hair, etc. Similar to when we step on a water hose that is going to our flower bed. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a exactly that. It is a collection of symptoms that comes from pressure on the structures of the neck and shoulder and causes many symptoms of nerve and blood vessel compression. The start of this problem usually develops from a postural and muscle imbalance created by what we do with do with our bodies. With early detection this problem can be corrected."
