Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Common Causes

Established Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Include

• Excessive exercise that can cause tightening and shortening of the shoulder and neck muscles
  
  
• An extra rib
  
  
• A higher first rib or raised shoulder due to a postural or structural defect linked to scoliosis, kyphosis (rounded shoulders), a sunken chest (pectus excavatum), or a barrel chest (pectus carinatum).
  
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
  
• Poor posture
  
  
• Whiplash, car accidents, related trauma
  
  
• Repetitive strain injuries from computer usage, playing musical instruments, and any other activity with repetitive motion causing tight muscles to press on the thoracic outlet
  
  
• Any combination of the above events. Click here for more TOS causes.

Below is a diagram showing how a knot in my right leg at point D pulled my body out of alignment and over time caused tension throughout my body, forming a curved spinal column and a counter-muscular knot at point A. Point A is the shoulder where I had the TOS. At point B on my right side is where I had TMJ and my shoulder froze up. (For a more complete description of how my alignment was off, see my section on scoliosis exercises.)

I also think that my TOS got worse from:

• gripping a racquet to play raquet ball
• riding a bike with with grip brakes on the handlebars
• using a mouse, especially one with a trackball
• embroidery
• using a heavy shoulder strap purse
• my first two attempts at physical therapy
• certain yoga poses that tightened muscles in my shoulders

Recommended Books for TOS

Related Pages:

Eye floaters

Scoliosis Exercises

Fibromyalgia Treatment

Popping Jaws, Knees and Other Joints - my shoulder on the TOS side frequently pops out of place from muscular tension.