Scalenii syndrome (TOS syndrome)

Here you will find information about the diagnosis of scalenii syndrome (TOS syndrome). Read more about the cause, symptoms, treatment, exercise and exercises for scalenii syndrome. Feel free to contact us Our Facebook page if you have any questions or comments.

Definition: What is scalenii syndrome?

Scalenii syndrome, also known as TOS syndrome (thoracic outlet syndrome), is a diagnosis in which nerves, arteries or veins become pinched (compressed) in the tunnel that runs from the lower part of the neck - and further down through the shoulder and armpit. Among other things, the structure known as the scalenius port and further past the brachial plexus.

Categories: 3 different types of scalenii / TOS syndrome

The syndrome is divided into 3 main categories:

Neurogenic - When nerves get pinched (95-99% of cases are this variant)

The neurogenic variant of scalenii syndrome is by far the most common and characteristic symptoms are pain, muscle weakness and occasional muscle loss at the base of the thumb. The latter can also be a symptom of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - as research has shown, but which is little known, that can be directly caused by TOS syndrome. This type is usually due to dysfunction in muscles and joints - and can affect the nerves that go down through the brachial plexus (including the median nerve).

vascular - When veins become pinched

This type of TOS syndrome causes a pinch of veins that can cause swelling, pain and possible (bluish) discoloration of the arm.

arterial - Arteries are pinched

The arterial variant can cause pain, cold sensation and paleness (losing the natural skin tone) in the arm.

Symptoms of TOS syndrome

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms will vary depending on the type of scalenii / TOS syndrome.

The most common form is the neurogenic and especially due to dysfunction in muscles and joints. Nerve pinching such as this can cause both sensory (numbness, tingling, radiation and impaired sensation) and motor (reduced muscle strength and fine motor skills) symptoms. Prolonged squeezing can also lead to decreased muscle strength or muscle wasting (atrophy).

Who is affected by TOS syndrome?

The condition normally occurs between the ages of 20 and 50, and can affect both women and men. The diagnosis is more often seen in those with increased thoracic kyphosis (increased curve in the thoracic spine), rounded shoulders and forward head position.

Also read: - 5 Custom Exercises For You With Neck Prolapse

Treatment of scalenii / TOS syndrome

Needle therapy, muscular work and chiropractic treatment are common treatments for this problem - if it is the neurogenic variant. The treatment is then aimed at symptomatic muscles and joints with the intention of normalizing the movement in affected joints and processing pain-sensitive muscle fibers.

Other treatment methods are dry needling, anti-inflammatory laser treatment and / or muscular pressure wave treatment. Treatment is of course combined with gradual, progressive training. Here is a list of treatments used for scalenii / TOS syndrome. The treatment can be performed by, among others, public health-authorized therapists, such as physiotherapists, chiropractors and manual therapists. As mentioned, it is also recommended that treatment be combined with training / exercises.

Physical treatment: Massage, muscle work, joint mobilization and similar physical techniques can provide symptom relief and increased blood circulation in the affected areas.

Physiotherapy: It is generally recommended that patients with scalenii / TOS syndrome receive guidance to exercise properly through a physiotherapist or other clinician (eg modern chiropractor or manual therapist). A physiotherapist can also help with symptom relief.

Surgery / surgery: If the condition worsens significantly or you do not experience improvement with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to relieve the area. An operation is always risky and is the last resort. Normally, only vascular and arterial variants can be considered for this type of surgery.

Traction: Traction and traction benches (also called tension benches or cox benches) are spinal decompression tools used with relatively good power. The treatment is most often performed by a chiropractor, manual therapist or physiotherapist.

Also read: 11 Exercises against Ishialgi

Scalenii / TOS Syndrome: The Real Cause of Frozen Shoulder and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Studies have shown that TOS syndrome can be a major contributor to people developing frozen shoulder and carpal tunnel syndrome (squeezing of the median nerve in the wrist).

Exercises and training against scalenii / TOS syndrome

Exercises aimed at symptom relief of scalenii syndrome will primarily focus on relieving the affected nerve, strengthening relevant muscles and especially rotator cuff, shoulder and neck muscles. Among other things, we recommend that you focus on to train your shoulder muscles (preferably with exercise elastic). We also recommend that you get a specific exercise program from a clinician that is right for you. You may also get nerve mobilization exercises (which stretch the nerve tissue and contribute to increased healing).

Self-help: What can I do even against pain in muscles, nerves and joints?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Prevention and healing: Compression noise like that like this can increase blood circulation to the affected area, thereby speeding up the natural healing of injured or worn muscles and tendons.

Further reading: - Pain in the neck? THIS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

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