SYNDROME OF THE THORACIC DEFLATOR
Many times after sleeping in a bad position, in the morning when you wake up or during a prolonged position with your arm up and your head back you may notice a rather uncomfortable tingling in your arm.
From SOMSALUT we will try to explain why this happens and how osteopathy and Physiotherapy can help you to disappear or reduce this symptomatology.
This syndrome can be defined as a set of symptoms including pain, altered sensitivity, weakness, and discomfort in the upper limb.
We will make an anatomical summary to see the complexity of the area and the difficulty this poses for the treatment.
The brachial plexus it is born from the last cervical nerves and the first thoracic nerve, this forms a triangle that goes towards the axillary cavity, giving innervation to the arm, in its course, it passes between the muscles called scalenes, behind the clavicle, until reaching in the armpit behind the larger and smaller pectoral. Throughout this route, the vascular and nerve bundles can be compressed.
This syndrome can be due to:
- Cervical spine problems
- Extra ribs, called cervical ribs
- Joint fixation of the 1st rib, or soft tissues, among others.
TREATMENT
The objective in the field of Osteopathy and Physiotherapy is to see where the brachial plexus is compressed along the route. Starting with a general assessment of the patient, observing their positioning in space, head, shoulders, and pelvis, ultimately evaluating the patient in all its entirety until reaching the most analytical part, through tests that highlight all the components of the shoulder, and of the cervical and dorsal spine.
In this treatment, manipulative, structural, cranial and even visceral osteopathy techniques are used, evaluating all the organs that are involved in the area, for example, those on the front of the neck.
From SOMSALUT we give you some life hygiene recommendations to be able to improve symptoms:
- Perform stretches of the upper limb and neck
- Stay active and do regular physical activity
- Maintain good ergonomics when sitting during our day to day life
Finally, if you suspect that you suffer from thoracic outlet syndrome, do not hesitate to contact us and we will solve all your doubts.
References
Manipulations of the cervical nerves. Jean Pierre Barral. Alain Croibier