Our nerves and blood vessels are very important. They are technically what breathes life into actions because without them you won’t be able to carry out any of the actions, voluntary and involuntary.

In the case of our nerves,

Voluntary motions are carried out by our brain doing the thinking and the nerves communicating to the different body parts to carry them out.

Involuntary motions are carried out by our spinal cord doing the “thinking” and the nerves communicating to the different body parts to carry them out.

Similarly, our blood vessels are also super important because they carry oxygenated blood to and deoxygenated blood from the different parts of the body, without which the different body parts would fail and maybe even die off.

So our nerves and blood vessels are very important and very influential. Because if something is wrong with even a single one of them, a lot of things in the body can go wrong.

Thoracic outlet syndrome or TOC refers to the group of disorders that occur when there is a compression, injury to, or unnecessary irritation or pressure on nerves or blood vessels in the lower neck and upper chest area (thoracic outlet).

This condition affects people of all ages and gender but is more common in women.

It is what affects most athletes who partake in sports with repetitive motions of the arm and shoulder.

It also highly affects those with poor muscle development, poor posture.

The symptoms for different TOS types have different symptoms:

• Neurogenic TOS: Related to abnormalities of bony and soft tissue in the area around the Thoracic outlet putting pressure on the nerves and irritating them. The nerves usually affected by this type affect the movement and feeling of the arm. This type also affects middle-aged women the most.

  The symptoms for this type of TOS include numbness and pain of the affected hand, decreased muscles, tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness on the neck, chest, and arms of the affected region.

• Venous TOS: This is related to the damage to the major veins in the thoracic outlet region and develops suddenly after strenuous exercising of the arms.

  The symptoms include swelling of affected hands, arms, and fingers, heaviness and weakness of neck and arms, swelling of the front chest wall veins.

• Arterial TOS: the least common but most dangerous and serious type of TOS which is usually present at birth. Related to the bony abnormalities in the lower neck and upper chest regions.

  The symptoms can include cold sensitivity in the hand and fingers and numbness. Sores and pain in the affected arm and poor blood circulation to the affected arm.

TOs can usually be treated with physical therapy, specific medications, surgery.

But when the condition isn’t as serious as getting surgeries, one can opt for acupuncture to cause a significant difference. Especially during the early stages.

Benefits of acupuncture for TOS can include:

• Improved blood circulation
• Increased range of motion
• Decreased pain and swelling
• Dissolves blocks in vessels
• Relaxed tight muscles, tissues, etc. to reduce pressure on nerves
• Quick, effective, cost-effective, and long-term treatment
• Reduces inflammation
• Suitable for people of all ages and most health conditions
• Increased body healing speed and bodily immunity

There are many benefits to receive from acupuncture. So if you believe you have TOS or have any other health issue, book an appointment with your nearest licensed Bremerton acupuncturist and get racing on your path to recovery.

Happy healing!