Thoracic outlet syndrome Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when the blood vessels or nerves

in the thoracic outlet the space between the collarbone (clavicle) and the first rib become compressed. This can cause pain in shoulders and neck and numbness in fingers. Neurogenic TOS (caused by compression of the brachial plexus), Vascular TOS (caused by compression of the subclavian artery or vein) and Nonspecific or disputed TOS (in which the pain is from unexplained causes)

Occasionally, neurogenic TOS and vascular TOS co-exist in the same person. Symptoms of TOS vary depending on the type. Neurogenic TOS has a characteristic sign, called the Gilliatt-Sumner hand, in which there is severe wasting in the fleshy base of the thumb. There may be numbness along the underside of the hand and forearm, or dull aching pain in the neck, shoulder, and armpit. Vascular TOS Discoloration of your hand (bluish color) Subclavian vein thrombosis Arm pain and swelling, possibly due to blood clots Throbbing lump near your collarbone Lack of color (pallor) in one or more of your fingers or your entire hand Tiny black spots (infarcts) on your fingers

Non-specific TOS most prominently features a dull, aching pain in the neck, shoulder, and armpit that gets worse with activity. Non-specific TOS is frequently triggered by a traumatic event such as a car accident or a work related injury. It also occurs in athletes, including weight lifters, swimmers, tennis players, and baseball pitchers.

CAUSES

In general, the cause of thoracic outlet syndrome is compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, just under the collarbone. The cause of the compression itself, however, can vary and can include: Anatomical defects - Inherited defects that are present at birth (congenital) may include a cervical rib an extra rib located above the first rib or an abnormally tight fibrous band connecting the spine to the rib. Poor posture Drooping ones own shoulders or holding head in a forward position can cause compression in the thoracic outlet area. Trauma - A traumatic event, such as a car accident, can cause internal changes that can compress the nerves in the thoracic outlet. The onset of symptoms related to a traumatic accident is often delayed. Repetitive activity - Doing the same thing over and over can, over time, wear on ones body's tissue. Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome can be seen in job that requires repetition of movements continuously, such as typing on a computer for extended periods, working on an assembly line, or stocking shelves and repeatedly lifting things above your head. Athletes, such as baseball pitchers and swimmers, also can develop thoracic outlet syndrome from years of repetitive movements. Pressure on your joints - Obesity can put an undue amount of stress on the joints. Pregnancy - Because joints loosen during pregnancy, signs of thoracic outlet syndrome may first appear during pregnancy.

Ayurvedic view
Treatment principles applicable to Apabahukam Kashayam Prasaranyadi 60 ml twice daily before food Varunadi 60 ml twice daily before food Rasna saptakam 60 ml twice daily before food Rasna shuntyadi 60 ml twice daily before food (Sahasra Yogam) Prasarnyadi kshira kashayam 60 ml in the evening Lashuna ksheera kashayam 60 ml in the evening

Tailam (Internal)

Karpasasthyadi avarthi 1 teaspoon with milk at night after food Ksheerabala 1 teaspoon with milk at night after food Prasaranyadi 1 teaspoon with milk at night after food

External therapies Podikizhi Lepam Kottumchukkadi choornam Rasnadi choornam Kolakulathadi

Abhyangam Karpasasthyadi tailam Prasarinyadi tailam Parinataksheeradi Panchasneham Kayatrimeni

Karpaskizhi Dhanyamladhara Patra potali svedam Pichu Kottumchukkadi Prabanjanam Karpasasthyadi Kayatrimeni Karpooradi

Pizhichal Karpasasthyadi Prabanjanam 3

Parinataksheeradi Panchasneham

Nasyam Marsha nasyam with Karpasasthyadi tailam Ksheerabala tailam

Rasayanam Lashuna rasayanam (Ashtanga Sangraha) Tippili rasayanam