In between the collarbone and the first rib, there is a narrow passageway called the thoracic outlet. This space contains several nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Weakness in the shoulder muscles can cause the collarbone to slip down and forward, leading to thoracic outlet syndrome.
Also known as mid-back or upper-back pain, thoracic pain is much less common than neck pain or low back pain. While this type of pain often results from underlying conditions or injury, there are some cases in which it affects otherwise healthy individuals without a clear underlying cause.
Ligaments and tendons are the bands of tissue that connect and help support bones and muscles. While they are flexible, they can tear or fray when stretched too far, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling at the site of the injury.
Also called loxia or wry neck, torticollis is an abnormal, asymmetrical tilt, rotation, or flexion of the head or neck. The condition can be either fixed or dynamic and can result from a variety of causes, including muscular fibrosis, congenital spine abnormalities, or brain injury.
Total hip replacement, or total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure involving the replacement of the hip joint parts with artificial structures, or prostheses. This surgery is typically an option of last resort after the patient has attempted to treat pain, stiffness, or mobility issues in the hip using less invasive techniques.
Total knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure involving the replacement of the knee joint parts with artificial structures, or prostheses. This typically is used as a method of alleviating pain and helping restore function in those suffering from arthritis in the knee.
Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger occurs when a finger or thumb sticks in a bent position and snaps upon release in a motion similar to that of a trigger. In severe cases, the affected finger or thumb may become locked or frozen.
Also called trigger sites or muscle knots, trigger points are painful spots in muscle tissue characterized by tangible nodules of tight muscle fibers. Pain often radiates from the actual trigger point to the broader surrounding area. Putting pressure on the nodule may also produce referred pain in a different location.
This condition occurs when irritation or damage to the nerves at the T4 level of the thoracic vertebrae causes pain and numbness in the arm—especially the upper portion of the arm. The nerve damage typically results from injury to the T4 facet joints or disc.
Upper crossed syndrome occurs when tightness in the upper trapezius and levator scapula crosses with tightness in the pectoralis major and minor muscles. The deep cervical flexors also tend to be weak in those suffering from this condition. This leads to shoulder instability and pain.