Which symptom is NOT typically associated with thoracic outlet syndrome?

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with thoracic outlet syndrome?

• A. Tingling in fingers
• B. Weakness in shoulder muscles
• C. Pain in the lower back
• D. Cold sensations in hands

Answer: (C)

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is characterized by a group of symptoms that arise when the blood vessels or nerves in the thoracic outlet become compressed. The thoracic outlet is the space between the collarbone and the first rib. Symptoms commonly associated with TOS include tingling or numbness in the fingers, weakness in shoulder and arm muscles, and cold sensations in the hands due to disrupted blood flow or nerve function in the upper extremity. Cold sensations in the hands can occur because of compromised blood flow, often involving the subclavian artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the arm. Tingling in the fingers is a direct result of nerve compression or irritation, while weakness in the shoulder muscles signifies neurogenic involvement, where the brachial plexus nerves may be impacted. Contrastingly, pain in the lower back is not typically associated with thoracic outlet syndrome. It suggests a different pathology that may involve the lumbar spine or sacroiliac region rather than the compression symptoms associated with TOS. Therefore, this symptom can be ruled out as it does not correlate with the mechanism or location of thoracic outlet syndrome, making it the correct answer to the question.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is characterized by a group of symptoms that arise when the blood vessels or nerves in the thoracic outlet become compressed. The thoracic outlet is the space between the collarbone and the first rib. Symptoms commonly associated with TOS include tingling or numbness in the fingers, weakness in shoulder and arm muscles, and cold sensations in the hands due to disrupted blood flow or nerve function in the upper extremity.

Cold sensations in the hands can occur because of compromised blood flow, often involving the subclavian artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the arm. Tingling in the fingers is a direct result of nerve compression or irritation, while weakness in the shoulder muscles signifies neurogenic involvement, where the brachial plexus nerves may be impacted.

Contrastingly, pain in the lower back is not typically associated with thoracic outlet syndrome. It suggests a different pathology that may involve the lumbar spine or sacroiliac region rather than the compression symptoms associated with TOS. Therefore, this symptom can be ruled out as it does not correlate with the mechanism or location of thoracic outlet syndrome, making it the correct answer to the question.