Risk Factors
These factors increase your chance of developing TOS. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Sagging muscles related to aging
- Being obese
- Having heavy breasts
Other possible risk factors include:
- Sleep disorders
- Imbalanced blood levels of estrogen and/or thyroid hormone levels
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Poor nutrition
- Anemia
- Infection
- Presence of tumors or large lymph nodes in the upper chest or underarm area
- Psychological stress or depression
TOS may also be caused by work activities, such as repetitive injuries from carrying heavy shoulder loads. This may lead to swelling of tendons and muscles in the shoulders and upper arms. Swelling may lead to TOC by compressing and damaging nerves and blood vessels in the neck and shoulders.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.