What it is
Most people improve with physiotherapy, posture changes and painkillers.
If symptoms are severe or a blood vessel is affected, surgery to make more space may be offered.
Common signs
- Pain in the neck, shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
- A weak grip
- Swelling or a blue colour in the arm
- A cold hand
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination
- X-rays to look for an extra rib
- Nerve conduction studies
- Ultrasound or other scans of blood vessels
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- X-ray and scan reports
- Nerve conduction results
- Physiotherapy plans
- Vascular or neurology letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is a nerve or blood vessel being squeezed?
- Which exercises will help?
- Would surgery be worth considering?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden swelling, pain and blue colour in an arm, or a cold, pale hand: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.