Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

If you’ve been feeling pins and needles, weakness, or numbness in your arms or hands — especially after sitting at a desk or driving — it might be more than just a temporary irritation. You could be dealing with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).

At Isleworth Pain and Injury Clinic, we regularly help people uncover the real cause behind these mysterious symptoms. TOS can sneak up quietly, often misdiagnosed or brushed off, but once identified and treated properly, it’s absolutely manageable.

What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels in the space between your collarbone and first rib (the thoracic outlet) become compressed. This compression can cause a range of symptoms that may affect the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand.

Common signs of TOS include:

Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand
Pain or heaviness in the shoulder or neck
Swelling or discolouration in the arm (especially with vascular TOS)
Symptoms worsened by poor posture or overhead movement

What Causes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Several factors can contribute to TOS. At Isleworth Pain and Injury Clinic, we often see it linked to:

Poor posture (especially forward head and rounded shoulders)
Repetitive activities (e.g., typing, lifting, or overhead work)
Previous injury or trauma (like whiplash)
Anatomical variations (such as an extra rib)
Muscular imbalances or tightness in the neck and shoulders

TOS is common in office workers, athletes (especially swimmers and throwers), and those with physical jobs or prolonged screen time.

How We Help at Isleworth Pain and Injury Clinic

We believe effective treatment of TOS requires a personalised and multifaceted approach, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Our treatment may include:

Chiropractic adjustments to improve the alignment of the spine, neck, and ribs
Manual therapy to release tight muscles compressing the thoracic outlet
Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen postural muscles and open up the outlet space
Postural retraining and ergonomic advice tailored to your daily habits
Neural gliding techniques to improve nerve mobility and reduce irritation