This post is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treats Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. You may have pain in the neck and shoulder with numbness in the fingers. You may have diffuse (spread out) arm symptoms, including numbness and tingling. Often, you may describe the pain taking a path down the inside of your arm to the little and ring fingers. Also, when you do any overhead activity, it is often made worse. For example, overhead throwing, serving a tennis ball, and painting a ceiling may exacerbate symptoms. Frequently, you may have weakness radiating from the neck and shoulder and extending into the arm and hand. Even driving and typing may sometimes be difficult.
If you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, acupuncture can provide relief! We’ve got some great information to share below.
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
The term “thoracic outlet” is the area between the neck and shoulder, over the top of the thorax (chest), and under the clavicle (collar bone). It is a space in the lower neck between the thorax and axilla (armpit) through which the subclavian vein, subclavian artery, and brachial plexus (network of nerves that provides movement and feeling to the shoulder, arm and hand) travel.
Moreover, compression at the thoracic outlet can involve the brachial plexus, subclavian artery, or subclavian vein at various sites as they travel downward into the arm. Indeed, several common sites are possible for compression. And there are many causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Firstly, compression may be due to physical trauma such as from a car accident or a sports injury. Secondly, anatomical defects from birth may show symptoms later in life. Thirdly, tumors that press on nerves, though rare, are possible. Fourthly, the changes of pregnancy (e.g. postural, hormonal, swelling) may lead to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Lastly, poor posture such as a forward head carriage and rounded shoulders can lead to compression. And repetitive arm and shoulder movements and activity, such as from playing certain sports also are a potential culprit. These overuse injuries can lead to swelling and fibrosis causing compression of the nerves and vessels.
Diagnosis is through history, examination and testing. Additionally, Nerve conduction studies or imaging (x-ray) studies may be ordered. Ultimately, this is to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Compression at the Thoracic Outlet
Cervical Rib
Compression may occur at an elongated C7 transverse process. It is a small bony projection off the right and left side of each vertebrae of the spinal column also called a “cervical (neck) rib”. This is an abnormality only found in 1% of the population from birth.
Scalene Triangle
Muscular compression can occur at the scalene (three paired muscles located in the lateral (side) aspect of the neck) muscles. This narrow vertical space formed between the two scalene muscles, with the first rib at the base, is called the scalene triangle. The major nerves and blood vessels supplying the upper extremity (limbs) lie within or next to the scalene triangle. Moreover, as they pass through the upper part of the thoracic outlet over the first rib, compression can happen.
Subcoracoid Space</span>
The pectoralis minor is a small muscle that lies deep to the much larger pectoralis major muscle in the front of the upper chest. It arises from the upper ribs and runs upward to attach to a bony protrusion underneath the clavicle known as the coracoid process. Subsequently, the nerves and blood vessels pass underneath the pectoralis minor tendon through the subcoracoid space where compression may occur.
Costoclavicular Space
Compression can occur at the costoclavicular area. After passing over the first rib, the brachial plexus nerves, subclavian artery, and subclavian vein all pass together underneath the clavicle. Next, they cross underneath a small muscle that runs along the back of the clavicle, called the subclavius muscle. Additionally, this muscle attaches to the front part of the first rib, where it forms a band of dense connective tissue called the costoclavicular ligament.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treats Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Research
Firstly, in one study a patient with left shoulder pain and left arm numbness was treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture along with natural therapies (e.g. herbal medicine and physical therapy) was provided. After 3 weeks of treatment, they were much improved. The case study concluded that an integrated approach along with acupuncture relieved the TOS.(1)
Secondly, in another case study, the long-time improper posture of holding a baby was the culprit of TOS in a new mother. The mother’s muscle imbalance in the cervical vertebra and shoulder girdle caused muscular thickening and hyperplasia (increase in the number of cells causing tissue enlargement). For example, her scalene muscle and pectoralis minor muscle. This caused thoracic outlet stenosis (blood vessel narrowing). And acupuncture treatment was effective. (2)
Thirdly, numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can adjust the production of neurotransmitter, mainly 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). This reduces nerve sensitivity. Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter with an important physiological role in the human body. It regulates activities including behavior, mood, memory, and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Therefore, as an analgesic form of therapy, the effect of acupuncture has been considered as a safe therapy. (3).
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treats Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Acupuncture is a treatment that has been used for over 4000 years for health problems. Traditionally, Acupuncture has been reported to alleviate pain and discomfort by rebalancing the energy (Qi). It is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in these channels called meridians. It is a painless technique used to affect what the ancient chinese practitioners called Meridians (energy channels) in your body under the skin. In summary, acupuncture can regulate the balance of qi and blood by stimulating acupuncture points. And the aim is at improving physiological function.
Today, Researchers believe when an acupuncture needle is inserted, the sensory and proprioceptive nerves are stimulated. This sends a message to your brain and nervous system. Ultimately, Acupuncture improves blood flow and calms the nervous system. This triggers nerve signaling that affects the function of other parts of the body, including organs.
Acupuncture Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience. Call 561-253-8984 today! Ask to make an appointment or find out more about: Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture Treats Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
References:
(1) A Case Report of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Improved by Integrated Korean Medical Treatment
https://www.e-jar.org/journal/view.html?uid=2144&vmd=Full
(2) Acupuncture Analgesia Thoracic outlet syndrome with drop shoulder
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1003525719300170
(3) Acupuncture for treating chronic spinal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC972641