Benefits Of Chiropractic And Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome In Gig Harbor

We are all bodies made of blood, flesh, bones, muscles, etc. and our bodies are pretty fragile and susceptible to damage quite easily.

Thoracic outlet syndrome in Gig Harbor is one such damage our bodies are capable of experiencing.

A thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and first rib (thoracic outlet) get compressed or there is an injury or irritation in the same area or set blood vessels.

This compression can cause immense pain in the shoulder and neck area and numbness in your fingers.

The pain and numbness are due to the lack of blood circulation that occurs from the compression of the blood vessels. Lack of treatment can lead to weakening grip, discoloration of the hand, and no pulse in the affected hand, so that you may require serious surgery.

Thoracic outlet syndrome can affect people of all ages and gender but is common among athletes who participate in sports that require repetitive motions of the arm and shoulder, like swimming, basketball, volleyball, etc.

The cause of thoracic outlet syndrome can be physical trauma (like a car accident), repetitive injuries from activities (like a job or sports-related activities), anatomical defects (like the presence of an extra rib), and pregnancy (as the baby can push up the diaphragm and pressure the rib cage into compressing).

There are a few cases of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) where the cause is unknown to doctors.

The area affected determines the type of TOS and the symptoms.

• Neurogenic TOS:- Abnormality of the bony and soft tissue in the lower neck region. Symptoms can include weakness and numbness of the hand, tingling or pricking sensation, decreased hand muscles size, etc.
• Venous TOS:- Damage to the major veins in the thoracic region with symptoms like swelling of hands, fingers, and arms, heaviness and weakness of arms and neck, swelling in the front chest wall
• Arterial TOS:- Congenital bony abnormalities and is the most serious kind with symptoms like cold sensitivity in the hands and fingers, poor blood circulation to the arms, and numbness, pain, or sores in the fingers.

Common treatments for TOS would include physical therapy, pain relief measures, and surgeries.

But these may not be suitable for a lot of people. Some may be in danger of pain meds addiction, not suitable for surgeries or physical therapy.

Chiropractic is a great alternative to these methods and is super effective with many other benefits, aside from treating TOS.

Chiropractors are known for their treatments to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation of the body parts and these are the most common causes of TOS

Benefits of Chiropractic for TOS in Gig Harbor WA include:

• Improves blood circulation
• Reduces stiffness
• Improves flexibility and range of motion
• Improve posture ( can decrease blood vessel compression by increasing space.)
• Correct alignment of bones and tissues
• Strengthen muscles to avoid future compression
• Increase immunity
• Relieves tension
• Reduces pain and relieves inflammations
• Suitable for all ages and most health conditions
• Cost-effective with long term (even permanent) solution
• Reduced (or complete lack of) need for medications

Chiropractic is one of the best choices for TOS.

So, if you worry you might have TOS, book an appointment with your nearest licensed Gig Harbor chiropractor and get better soon.

Happy healing!