It’s amazing how one small problem in the body can turn into something much bigger. Maybe you feel tingling in your fingers… or a dull ache in your shoulder after sitting at your desk. Over time, those signals add up, leaving you wondering: what’s really going on here?
That’s the tricky part about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). The symptoms can look different for each person, but they all come back to the same thing: pressure in a small but important space.
What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
The thoracic outlet is the space between your collarbone and your first rib. Running through this space are nerves, veins, and arteries—your arm’s lifelines.
When these get squeezed or blocked, TOS shows up. There are three main types:
- Neurogenic TOS – Pressure on nerves → tingling, numbness, or weakness.
- Venous TOS – Pressure on a vein → swelling, heaviness, or color changes.
- Arterial TOS – Pressure on an artery → pain, coldness, or color changes in the hand.
There are also three common spots where this pressure happens:
- Between the muscles of your neck
- Under your collarbone and first rib
- Beneath the pec muscle in your chest
Think of these spots like narrow doorways. When the doorway shrinks, nerves and blood vessels struggle to get through—and symptoms can show up all the way down to your fingertips.
Symptoms of TOS
Because TOS can affect both nerves and blood flow, symptoms can range from mild to very noticeable:
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arm or hand
- Pain in the shoulder, neck, or chest
- Swelling, heaviness, or color changes in the arm
- Tiredness when lifting or carrying
Connecting the Dots
The challenge with TOS is that it doesn’t always hurt where the problem starts. You might feel tingling in your fingers, but the real issue could be in your neck or chest.
That’s why finding the root cause is key. At On Point, we slow down, ask the right questions, and connect the dots between your anatomy, movement, and symptoms. Only then can we create lasting results—not just short-term relief.
The Bottom Line
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a reminder that the body is full of connections. Tightness in one spot can cause discomfort somewhere else. But with the right plan, we can open up that space, restore freedom of movement, and show you what your body is truly capable of.
Because when the root cause is addressed, you don’t just feel better—you unlock new potential.
Dr. Ryan A. DiPrimo
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