Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx)

A new client presents with a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Which of the following would be a common complaint?

1. Numbness in the ulnar side of the hand

2. Cramping in the diaphragm

3. Pain shooting down the right leg

4. Achiness between the shoulder blades

The correct answer is: Numbness in the ulnar side of the hand

In cases of thoracic outlet syndrome, a common complaint is numbness in the ulnar side of the hand. This condition occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the thoracic outlet, which is the space between the collarbone and the first rib. The ulnar nerve, which supplies feeling to the pinky and part of the ring finger, often gets affected, leading to symptoms such as numbness or tingling in these areas. The other options, while they may relate to different conditions or musculoskeletal issues, do not typically align with the symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome. Cramping in the diaphragm is not a hallmark symptom due to the nature of the condition affecting the upper limb. Pain shooting down the right leg is more indicative of nerve issues in the lumbar region rather than the thoracic outlet. Achiness between the shoulder blades may occur, but it's not as specific or common of a complaint in thoracic outlet syndrome as the numbness in the ulnar side of the hand. This specificity is crucial for identifying and managing the symptoms associated with this syndrome effectively.