Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is often mistaken for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In both cases, there is pressure on nerves that cause symptoms like pain, numbness or uncomfortable sensations.
If there is numbness or tingling in your hands, the brain can’t tell where it’s coming from. The “pinch” on the nerve can be anywhere on the nerve pathway between your neck and your hand. Regardless of where the pressure on the nerve is, the symptoms (tingling or numbness) will be felt in your hand.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Stress Injury and Cumulative Trauma Disorder are all similar yet different.
There’s a horror story about a woman who
had the muscles in her neck removed (as well as a couple of nerves) and still had her pain.
And what if you have an extra rib in your neck? Most of the time that rib bone will not be the cause of your hand pain.
As usual, the problem–the cause–is that your muscles are pressing on the nerve that goes to your hand. This is not always the case but most often muscles are to blame.
And, the good news is: Muscles can be treated naturally!
That means you can have natural Thoracic Outlet Syndrome relief. 🙂