Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition, TOS, occurs when the subclavian artery—responsible for moving blood from the heart to the arm—gets blocked by a blood clot. It often affects people born with an additional rib in the neck or an irregularly shaped first rib, which can compress the artery and permanently narrow it.

Causes of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

TOS-related problems can be confusing, but we know they happen when the thoracic outlet's narrow space squeezes blood vessels or nerves too much, leading to irritation and TOS. Also, certain conditions, characteristics, or behaviors could increase your chances of getting TOS. These are called risk factors.

Unchangeable Risk Factors: You cannot alter these factors. Having more increases your TOS risk.

~ Pregnancy

Risk Factors You Can Change: These are the factors you can manage or improve with treatment, medication, or changes in your way of life.

1. Intense weightlifting.

2. Bad posture.

3. Sports with repeated arm/shoulder use.

4. Heavy loads on shoulders.

5. Depression.

Other conditions that contribute to the development of TOS:

1. Birth defects in body structure.

2. Abnormalities in bone and soft tissue.

3. Injury-related trauma.

4. Upper chest or underarm tumors or swollen lymph nodes.