Many people ask themselves do i have thoracic outlet syndrome when unexplained arm, shoulder, or neck symptoms begin to appear. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a term used to describe patterns of nerve and blood vessel compression occurring between the neck and shoulder. People often search is this thoracic outlet syndrome after noticing sensations that do […]

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is a complex condition involving the interaction of nerves, blood vessels, posture, and movement. Many individuals begin searching for answers after months or years of unresolved arm symptoms. Patients often report numbness, heaviness, weakness, or temperature changes that do not follow a simple pattern. This uncertainty leads many to search for a […]

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is commonly described as a compression problem involving nerves and blood vessels traveling from the neck into the arm. Many individuals describe symptoms that appear unrelated until the entire mechanical system is examined together. In my clinical experience, the misunderstanding begins with how the body is modeled mechanically. Most medical education views […]

I did not write this book because Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is rare. I wrote it because it is commonly misunderstood, frequently misinterpreted, and repeatedly missed—especially in active individuals and athletes. Long before I became a doctor, I lived the experience that so many patients now describe to me in my office. I was not reading […]

The Shoulder That Turned Blue: A Journey Into a Medical Mystery Richard had spent most of his adult life in the gym. He was lean, disciplined, and meticulous about his training. He knew his body well—knew what normal soreness felt like, knew what fatigue felt like, and knew the difference between discomfort and injury. That […]

First rib resection is a commonly performed surgical procedure for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), particularly venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) and Paget–Schroetter syndrome, which involves effort-related thrombosis of the axillosubclavian vein. While the surgery is intended to relieve vascular compression and restore venous flow, published research shows that blood clots and recurrent venous obstruction can […]

Inflammation Mapping: The Starting Point for Understanding TOS Inflammation mapping is the foundational concept for understanding how Thoracic Outlet Syndrome symptoms develop and persist. It refers to observing where inflammatory stress accumulates in the body and how those locations correspond to predictable patterns of muscle guarding. In my clinical experience, inflammation does not appear randomly […]

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome involves a complex interaction between anatomy, movement, and vascular structures. Many individuals describe arm symptoms that seem unrelated until the anatomy of the thoracic outlet is carefully examined. The thoracic outlet is the narrow passageway between the neck and the upper chest. Through this space pass nerves, veins, and arteries supplying the […]

First rib resection is a surgery commonly used for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), especially venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) and Paget–Schroetter syndrome. Paget–Schroetter syndrome involves a blood clot that forms in the axillosubclavian vein, often during physical activity. The goal of this surgery is to reduce pressure on the vein so blood can flow more […]

France to Chicago to See a TOS Expert: A Nurse’s Recovery Without Surgery For most of his adult life, Olivia Se trusted his body. He was a nurse working in a large hospital in the south of France, accustomed to long shifts, physical demands, and responsibility for others’ health. His profession required endurance, precision, and […]