Conditions

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a painful condition that creates pain around the neck and shoulder as well as pain down the arm and into the hand. Thoracic outlet syndrome usually has numbness and tingling down the arm and into the hands and fingers. The Naturopathic Doctors in our clinic have had great success treating the compression of the nerves and blood vessels caused by thoracic outlet syndrome.

What symptoms would I have if I had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

  1. Pain in the neck and shoulders
  2. Pain down the arm
  3. Numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers
  4. Severe cases have weak grip

The symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome are caused by the compression of the nerves and blood vessels that run through the thoracic outlet.

What causes the compression?

Anything that causes compression in the thoracic outlet area (between the side of your neck and your shoulder).  To name a few;

  1. Trauma to the shoulder or neck (fall on shoulder, blow to the head or neck, whiplash)
  2. Overly tight muscles in the region from high stress, repetitive overhead activities, long periods of strain posture-i.e. computer desk work to heavy lifting
  3. An extra rib or anatomically long neck and dropped or fallen shoulders

I’m in Pain!  How do I get rid of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Our Naturopathic doctors have been working with people in Vancouver and around the world and have had great success in getting rid of thoracic outlet syndrome.  The pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulders, and arms diminish with each treatment until you are feeling back to normal and pain free.  Our doctors use a variety of techniques to get rid of thoracic outlet syndrome.

  1. Our Doctors first work to assess the true cause of the nerve and blood vessel compression or entrapment and then restore balance to the structures to give you pain relief.
  2. Our Doctors also have ways to settle the extreme sensitivity of the nerves through supplements and nutrition or through neural therapy.
  3. Our Doctors will use gentle effective treatments to relieve the pain, numbness, and tingling caused by the compression.  Please look at the treatment section at the bottom of this page to learn more about the techniques used.