Chiropractic Care For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

A specific chiropractic adjustment by Dr. Eugene. van Niekerk for a client's lower neck.

At Broadmoor Chiropractic Massage Naturopathy, we provide natural, personalized care for a variety of conditions, including thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). While many people seek chiropractic care for sciatica, lower back pain, or neck pain, our holistic approach may also help support conditions involving nerve or vascular compression that affect comfort, circulation, and mobility.

What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)?

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed between the collarbone and the first rib. This can lead to symptoms such as:

Common Symptoms of TOS:

• Shoulder, arm, or hand pain, tingling or numbness

• Muscle weakness or fatigue

• Poor circulation in the affected limb

TOS is often associated with poor posture, repetitive motion (like typing, lifting or breastfeeding), or previous injury, and it can make everyday activities feel uncomfortable or limiting. Ongoing stiff neck and postural tension can sometimes be part of the broader pattern contributing to thoracic outlet symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care May Help with TOS

Our chiropractors in Richmond, BC take a whole-body, nervous system-centred approach to care. Chiropractic care may help support people with TOS by addressing posture, movement, and areas of tension that may contribute to compression.

Improving Alignment and Mobility

Misalignments in the neck and upper back, as well as the ribs and arm can shrink the thoracic outlet space. Our gentle techniques, such as Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator Methods, restore alignment and posture, creating space and movement to help relieve pressure on nerves and blood vessels.

Reducing Muscle Tension

Tight muscles around the neck and chest, including the scalenes and pectorals, may contribute to thoracic outlet tension. Chiropractic care may help reduce stress and tension in these areas to support healthier movement and nerve function.

Supporting Nervous System Function

Because the nervous system controls every function in the body, improving spinal alignment helps restore proper communication between the brain and body, promoting faster healing and better mobility.

Personalized Care for Office Workers, Athletes and Breastfeeding Parents

Whether your symptoms are related to desk work, repetitive movement, athletics, or parenting demands, our team tailors care to your lifestyle and goals. Support may include:

• Postural and ergonomic guidance

• Targeted adjustments

• Stretching and mobility strategies

• Nervous system support for long-term relief

Many of our patients report improved movement, reduced symptoms, and enhanced energy after regular care.

Chiropractic Care for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Richmond, BC

We believe healing starts with understanding the root cause. If you are experiencing symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome, our team is here to help you better understand what may be contributing to your discomfort and how conservative care may support your recovery. Explore our chiropractic care services to see how we support spinal health, nervous system function, and whole-body mobility.

Further resources:

• What Is Chronic Pain? (Chiros Hub): Learn how persistent nerve irritation from conditions like TOS can create chronic pain patterns, and how chiropractic care helps retrain the nervous system for better resilience.

• The Effects of a Chiropractic Adjustment (Chiros Hub): Discover how adjustments may improve neuromuscular control, posture, and proprioception, key factors in relieving pressure on the thoracic outlet.

• Evidence-Based Practice in Chiropractic (Chiros Hub): See how modern chiropractic care integrates clinical experience, research, and individualized treatment to manage complex nerve conditions like TOS.