Tingling in the Fingers

Many people suffer from pins and needles in their fingers or whole hands, often at night. There can be a variety of causes including carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and nerve entrapment syndromes. In this blog post I am going to address Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

What is Thoracic outlet syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is when branches of the brachial plexus (nerves supplying your upper extremity) or blood supply get compressed in either one or more locations.

1. Between the scalene muscles in your neck
2. 1st Rib
3. Pectoral muscles

Common symptoms are:

• Tingling or numbness in the fingers
• Pain or weakness into the arm and shoulder
• Arm that tires quickly
• Pale and cold hand

Causes of Thoracic outlet syndrome:

• Increased tonicity of muscles decreasing the space in which the vessels travel
• Repeated overhead movements
• Whiplash
• Chronic upper rib breathing
• Abnormal muscles or rib formation
• Tumor in the neck (rare)

How Osteopathy can help Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Reduce muscular tension. This can be addressed using massage, muscle energy techniques, dry needling, trigger point therapy and stretching. Reducing the tension of the local muscles will relieve the compression of the nerves and vessels relieving the symptoms in to the hands as well as local pain and discomfort.

Increasing joint mobility. Once the muscles can relax it allows space for the joint to move more freely relieving the pressure on the vessels.

Strengthening muscles. Exercises can be given to help activate muscles that will help support the anterior neck and shoulders.