UNDERSTANDING THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME AND HOW TO TREAT IT in Solomons MD?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition that causes pain and tingling in the arms and hands due to compressed nerves or blood vessels. The passageway through the thoracic outlet, which is located between your neck and armpit, can become blocked or just may not be large enough to let enough blood flow through. Some factors that might cause a blockage include:

• Enlarged muscle tightness in the area, particularly from weight lifting
• Excessive weight gain and poor level of fitness
• Tumors in the lung region (a very rare condition)

Unfortunately, a specific cause for thoracic outlet syndrome often can’t be determined.

Symptoms must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and extensive tests are often conducted to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome.

Think you or a loved one might be suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome in Solomons MD? Common signs of this condition are:

• Mild to severe pain in your neck, shoulder, and arms
• Numbing of your arms and hands
• Discoloration in your extremities
• A cold sensation in your hands caused by decreased circulation
• Weakness in your arms and/or hands

If these symptoms seem achingly familiar, a visit to us could lead to answers and relief, often using conservative treatment options, which typically include appropriate care and rehab.

A FEW AT-HOME STEPS SUFFERERS CAN TAKE TO MINIMIZE PAIN in Solomons MD

• If you’re suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms, there are a few things you can try at home to help ease your discomfort.
• First, avoid holding your arms above your head or out to your sides for long periods of time.
  If you tend to sleep with one arm positioned above your head, for example, try to train yourself to keep your arms by your side.
• Secondly, if you do a lot of typing or other tiring arm and hand work during the day, be sure to take short, frequent breaks to give your muscles a rest.
• And lastly, stay away from lifting heavy objects as often as you possibly can.

STRETCHING EXERCISES AS PART OF YOUR CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT PLAN

Gentle stretches can help minimize the pressure against the thoracic outlet, leading to immediate relief for thoracic outlet syndrome sufferers.

It’s important to perform these stretches under the careful eye of a trained chiropractor, however, to avoid injury, one exercise we might recommend is the shoulder shrug, which includes the following steps:

• Stand up straight with your feet firmly planted on the floor.
• Relax your arms by your sides. Be careful not to bring them in front of your body for this particular stretch.
• Extend your shoulders straight up toward your ears, letting your arms dangle toward the ground. Be careful not to round your shoulders to the back of your body, which can cause unnecessary strain on your joints. Lift your shoulders as high as you comfortably can without straining.
• Gently release your shoulders back down to the starting position.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

Tips: Be sure to hold your head high with your chin straight forward as you perform this stretch. Don’t let your chin drop into your chest. For best results, exhale while you lift your shoulders and inhale during the release.

Thoracic outlet syndrome can be a painful and frustrating condition, especially when it keeps you from performing and enjoying regular, everyday activities. The good news is that thoracic outlet syndrome is highly treatable, oftentimes with stretching exercises, as noted above, among other treatments that we chiropractors recommend.
We can work with you or your loved ones to quickly find relief from thoracic outlet syndrome. We can examine your unique situation and determine the treatment plan that is just right for you. To set up an appointment, contact Baca Chiropractic Services today!