They can be. Changes in posture can cause changes in the alignment of the rib cage. If the change becomes permanent, as can happen with scoliosis, the shoulder blade may begin to thump or snap as it glides over the rib cage. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist to see if exercises could improve your spine and shoulder blade alignment.
FAQ Category: Thoracic Spine
I am a 33-year-old hairdresser with thoracic outlet syndrome. I’ve tried medications and exercise, but the pain just keeps getting worse. Is there else anything I can do, short of having surgery?
Work postures, especially holding your arms out or overhead for long periods, can contribute to symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Hairdressers have to use these positions for much of the day. Your work may be constantly aggravating your TOS. A specialist, such as a physical or occupational therapist, could check your work station and watch the way you do your work. He or she could then make suggestions about steps you could take, such as taking breaks more frequently or holding your equipment at a different level. Another idea is to schedule clients so that you don’t have back-to-back appointments that require holding your arms up. Talk to your doctor for other ideas to reduce your pain.
I’ve had pain and tingling in my left arm for several months. I’ve been to several doctors, and they’ve run all kinds of tests. They’re not sure, but they think I have thoracic outlet syndrome. Isn’t there a test that can show for certain that this is my problem?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition where the nerves or arteries that go to the arm and hand get squeezed between soft tissues near the side of the neck. It is difficult to diagnose. The process can be frustrating, as you know too well. There is no one test that shows TOS. And TOS symptoms are similar to the symptoms of many other conditions, including a herniated disc in the neck and carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor has to rely on your medical history, a thorough physical examination, and various tests to rule out other possible causes.
I’ve heard that thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by an extra cervical rib. Why won’t my doctor just remove the rib?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves pressure on the arteries or nerves running from the neck to the arm. TOS is rarely caused by an extra cervical rib. Surgery to remove the extra rib is only done when your doctor is absolutely sure it is causing the problem.
The pressure of TOS can start in at least nine different spots. It is often difficult to figure out exactly where your problem starts. That is why doctors usually recommend non-surgical treatment of TOS. You may work with a therapist to improve your posture, strength, and body mechanics to help ease the pressure. Stretching the muscles of the chest and shoulders can help. Swimming is a good exercise, as long as you avoid the backstroke and breaststroke. Non-surgical measures usually help as long as the muscles of your hand have not weakened and shrunk (atrophied) as a result of TOS.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoarcic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition in which pressure on nerves and arteries from the neck to the arm causes numbness in the arm or hand. TOS is difficult to diagnose. There are at least nine different spots where the nerves or arteries could be pinched, and there are no simple tests that confirm TOS. A doctor considers the medical history, the physical exam, and the results of diagnostic tests in making a diagnosis of TOS.