What are the primary symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome?

The primary symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome are characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain that typically radiate through the shoulder, arm, and hand. This condition arises from the compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, which is the space between the collarbone and the first rib. As a result of this compression, individuals often experience neurogenic symptoms such as weakness or altered sensation in the upper extremities, indicating that the brachial plexus nerves are affected.

Numbness and tingling are particularly significant in diagnoses of thoracic outlet syndrome, as they reflect the underlying neurological dysfunction. These sensations usually manifest in the distribution of the affected nerves, commonly in the ulnar nerve territory, which affects the pinky and ring fingers, or can also involve the median nerve territory affecting the thumb and fingers. Pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand can arise due to the irritation of the nerves and can often be exacerbated by certain arm positions or repetitive overhead activities.

In considering the other symptoms that were provided in the choices, weakness in the shoulder muscles may occur in more advanced cases but is not as defining a symptom as the neurogenic complaints. Popping sounds in the shoulder may be indicative of other shoulder