The term Thoracic Outlet Syndrome refers to a number of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and the subclavian artery and vein blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). These disorders have very little in common with each other however, other than the site of occurrence. The disorders are complex, somewhat confusing, and poorly defined, each with various signs and symptoms of the upper limb.

Thoracic outlet syndrome can result from injury, disease, or a congenital abnormality. One of the main causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is that it is a work based disease based on the effect of repetitive strain injury. The symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome vary depending on which nerves and blood vessels are being compressed, some of the symptoms include:

• Pressure on the blood vessels can reduce the flow of blood to the arms and hands, making them feel cool and tire easily • Pressure on the nerves can leave, causing a vague, aching pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand • Overhead activities become particularly difficult.

The recovery process of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can often be long term, depending on what treatment you will have to receive, some of the main forms of treatment that you will receive for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are as follows:

• Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder so that they are better able to support the collarbone • Postural exercises can help you stand and sit straighter, which lessens the pressure on the nerves and blood vessels • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can ease the pain • You may need to change your workstation and avoid strenuous activities.

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Also known as Median Neuropathy at the Wrist, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.

The symptoms are usually burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers with some people even stating their fingers feel useless and swollen even though they appear fine.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is a multi-faceted problem, meaning there are many factors that could cause it. In some cases the carpel tunnel just may be smaller in some people. Others causes come down to trauma or injury that makes the wrist swell. Medical issues such as hypothyroidism, which is an under active thyroid gland and rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome could be work related, even though this is often seen as controversial.

People who work as assembly line workers, meat packers and food processors but not office workers, often fall victim to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, resulting in billions of compensation claims every year. In work related cases, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is often provoked by repetitive grasping and manipulating activities. Forceful and repetitive use of the hand and wrist in industrial occupations can cause pressure at the wrist resulting in a tingling and often burning sensation, two key symptoms of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Women are also often seen as being three times more likely to develop Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.


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