Thoracic outlet syndrome treatment usually includes physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or short courses of steroids to eliminate symptoms like arm swelling, tingling or numbness in the fingers or radiating pain in the shoulder, arm or hand.
When these thoracic outlet syndrome treatment options are ineffective, surgery becomes a consideration. If the patient has an extra rib, the physician can remove it to redirect blood vessels around the area or remove part of the first rib in a minimally invasive procedure known as a first rib resection. This surgical process creates more room for the blood vessels and nerves, and it lessens the pain and numbness caused by pressure, reducing the risk of aneurysms and blood clots in serious forms of thoracic outlet syndrome.