Dr. Brian Olson, Yankton chiropractor has been providing safe, affordable and effective chiropractic care to the Yankton, SD and Hartington, NE areas for over 25 years. The office treats neck and back pain with chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy including acupuncture, electric muscle stimulation, hydrotherapy, massage, non-surgical spinal decompression (traction), active therapeutic movements, and computerized chiropractic adjustments which involve no popping or twisting of the spine.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Is It My Neck or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Neck pain can arise from many different sources, and the patient’s clinical
presentation can be quite similar making it a challenge to diagnose. One of
those related, and sometimes co-existing conditions, is called thoracic outlet
syndrome, or TOS. Let’s first discuss the anatomy of the neck and the thoracic
outlet so we all have a good “picture” in mind of what we’re talking about.
TOS can arise from either blood vessel compression, nerve compression or both,
making the ease of diagnosis difficult. Adding to the challenge, the “pinch” of
the structure can occur at more than one place! The nerves and blood vessels can
get pinched at the exiting holes in the spine (“neuroforamen”), by tight
“scalene” muscles, under the collar bone (clavicle) and/or by a tight pectoralis
minor muscle near the arm pit. Hence, the symptoms usually include pain and
numbness in the shoulder, arm and hand (usually affecting the 4th & 5th
fingers). It’s our job to run different tests to figure out where the primary
pinch or pinches are located so we can treat the right area.
The causes of TOS can be many, with one of the obvious being a fractured collar
bone or clavicle. Another is from having an extra rib. As there is not a lot of
room for an extra structure, this can be a point of compression for some (but
doesn’t create TOS in everyone). An overly tight scalene muscle, scar tissue, an
extra large muscle and so on can also result in pinching of the nerves and/or
blood vessels.
Purses, backpacks, carrying golf clubs, a mailbag and the like can also cause a
pinch. A seat belt injury in a car accident is yet another cause, either from
the direct trauma, or later when scar tissue forms in the area.
Our posture alone (without trauma), such as a slouchy, slumped posture where the
shoulders roll forwards can cause TOS and, large breasts and obesity also add to
the list of risk factors. Women are affected 3x more than men. Certain jobs
where reaching overhead or outwards such as waitresses, carpenters,
electricians, increase TOS risk.
You can depend on us to identify, locate and treat the areas that need attending
as chiropractic includes many effective TOS treatment methods. The surgical
outcomes are less than impressive so do EVERYTHING else first (a good surgeon
will tell you that).
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose your healthcare services.
If you, a friend or family member requires care for neck pain, we sincerely
appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look
forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.
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