THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a treatable condition caused by compression of nerves and/or blood vessels as they travel from the neck through the shoulder and into the arm. Muscle tightness, postural strain, rib restrictions, or prior injuries can narrow this space, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, or circulation changes in the arm and hand.

TOS can interfere with work, exercise, and everyday activities — especially overhead movements or prolonged sitting. At Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic, we use a conservative, whole-body approach to reduce compression, restore movement, and improve posture for long-term relief.

Conservative Care for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Our conservative thoracic outlet syndrome treatment focuses on improving mobility, reducing nerve and vascular irritation, and restoring balanced strength throughout the neck, shoulders, ribs, and upper back.

Care is designed to address mechanical restrictions and postural stress that contribute to thoracic outlet compression, supporting improved function without invasive procedures.

Benefits of Conservative Care for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

  • Reduces pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulder, and arm
  • Improves mobility of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, ribs, and shoulder complex
  • Enhances dynamic posture to decrease compression at the thoracic outlet
  • Restores strength and stability in scapular and postural muscles
  • Promotes long-term symptom control without invasive procedures
  • Supports a safe return to daily activities, exercise, and sport

Preventing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Recurrence

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome often develops from posture-related stress, repetitive overhead activity, or unresolved movement restrictions. Our prevention-based approach supports lasting results through:

  • Strengthening scapular stabilizers and deep neck flexors
  • Stretching the upper chest, scalenes, and upper trapezius muscles
  • Improving rib and spinal mobility to reduce mechanical compression
  • Ergonomic modifications for work, home, and daily activities

Common Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Symptoms can vary depending on nerve or vascular involvement and may include:

  • Neck, shoulder, or arm pain
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning in the hand or fingers
  • Heaviness, weakness, or fatigue in the arm with activity
  • Difficulty performing overhead movements
  • Temperature or color changes in the hand
  • Tightness across the chest or upper back

What Causes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome develops when structures in the neck and shoulder region reduce space for nerves or blood vessels. Common contributing factors include:

  • Tight muscles in the neck, chest, or upper back
  • Decreased rib mobility
  • Repetitive overhead movements or athletic activity
  • Prior trauma such as whiplash or shoulder injury
  • Anatomical variations
  • Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder

Who Can Benefit from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment?

Our conservative TOS care may benefit:

  • Patients with neck and arm symptoms related to posture or repetitive stress
  • Athletes performing overhead activities such as swimming, tennis, volleyball, or weight training
  • Office workers or students with prolonged sitting or computer use
  • Individuals recovering from cervical spine or shoulder injuries
  • Anyone diagnosed with neurogenic or vascular thoracic outlet involvement

Our Integrated Treatment Approach

We take a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to thoracic outlet syndrome care, addressing the root causes of compression and dysfunction.

Treatment may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments & Joint Mobilization: Restore motion in the cervical spine, thoracic spine, ribs, and shoulder joints
  • Massage Therapy: Reduce tension in the scalenes, pectoral muscles, upper trapezius, and subclavius
  • Corrective Exercise: Improve posture, scapular control, and shoulder stability
  • Neuromuscular Re-education: Optimize shoulder and upper extremity mechanics
  • Postural & Ergonomic Training: Reduce daily strain at work, home, and during sport

By combining hands-on care with targeted exercise and education, we help relieve symptoms, restore function, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Techniques & Modalities We Use

Hands-On Techniques

  • Joint mobilization of the neck, thoracic spine, and ribs
  • Soft tissue treatment for the scalenes, pectoral muscles, upper trapezius, and subclavius
  • ART®, Graston/IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization), and cupping (myofascial decompression)
  • Rib mobilization to reduce mechanical compression
  • Nerve gliding techniques to decrease tension on irritated neural structures

Supportive Modalities

  • Corrective exercises for posture, scapular control, and stability
  • Strengthening of the deep neck flexors, rotator cuff, and mid-back muscles
  • Stretching programs for the chest and cervical musculature
  • Neuromuscular re-education to improve shoulder mechanics
  • Postural and ergonomic training for home, work, and sport
  • Taping when needed to support posture and reduce strain

Ready to Find Relief?

Don’t let thoracic outlet syndrome limit your work, workouts, or daily life. Schedule an appointment with Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic in Rochester, NY and take the first step toward natural, lasting relief.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Yes. By improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and correcting postural imbalances, conservative chiropractic care can significantly reduce thoracic outlet compression and related symptoms.

Many patients improve with conservative care. Surgery is typically considered only when non-invasive treatment options have been exhausted or in severe vascular cases.

Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while others may require several weeks depending on severity, posture, and activity level.

Often yes, with guidance. Treatment includes modifying activities and strengthening supportive muscles to allow safe movement while symptoms improve.

Neurogenic TOS involves nerve compression and is the most common type, while vascular TOS affects blood vessels and may cause circulation changes. Both benefit from a thorough evaluation and conservative care approach.

For additional information, please refer to our Patient Information page.