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14. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is an all-inclusive term for several uncommon conditions that compress the brachial plexus, leading to shoulder pain and neck pain, among other symptoms.

There are three types of TOS. Neurogenic TOS is the most common and results from tears in the muscles on the sides of the neck leading to muscle spasms that irritate the brachial plexus. Arterial TOS is caused by an extra rib near the neck that compresses the artery running to the arm. Venous TOS occurs when the vein running between the collar bone and the first rib is injured.

woman having shoulder pain kazuma seki / Getty Images

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