The seat belt saved your life during the collision on Interstate 64, but weeks later you're experiencing strange symptoms. Your arm feels numb. Sharp pain shoots down from your shoulder. Simple tasks like reaching for items on high shelves have become difficult.
At Bollwerk & Associates, our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand that seat belt injuries can create unexpected complications. While seat belts prevent fatal injuries, the force they exert during impact can damage nerves and blood vessels—potentially leading to thoracic outlet syndrome. We help car accident victims understand their symptoms and pursue fair compensation for all injuries.
About Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels become compressed between your collarbone and first rib. This compression creates a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life.
The thoracic outlet contains three important structures: arteries that carry blood to your arms, veins that return blood to your heart, and nerves that control arm and hand function. When any of these structures become compressed or damaged, thoracic outlet syndrome develops.
How Seat Belt Force Causes Nerve Compression
During a car accident, your body continues moving forward while the seat belt restrains your torso. This creates tremendous pressure across your chest and shoulder area. The seat belt can compress soft tissues, damage muscles, and cause inflammation that leads to thoracic outlet syndrome.
Several factors determine whether a seat belt injury will result in thoracic outlet syndrome:
- The speed and force of impact
- Your position at the moment of collision
- Whether the seat belt was properly positioned
- Preexisting neck or shoulder conditions
- Your body size and muscle development
Women may be at higher risk due to differences in anatomy and muscle mass. People with longer necks or sloped shoulders also face increased susceptibility to this type of injury.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms
Thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms can develop immediately after a car accident or appear gradually over several weeks. Unfortunately, many car accident victims initially dismiss these symptoms as normal soreness from the crash and thus delay getting a proper diagnosis.
Common neurogenic symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
- Weakness when gripping objects
- Pain that radiates from your neck down your arm
- Muscle wasting in your hand
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks like writing
- Vascular symptoms occur when blood vessels become compressed:
- Swelling in your arm or hand
- Skin color changes in your fingers
- Cold sensitivity in your hand
- Weak pulse in your affected arm
Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome occurs in less than 1% of all cases, but symptoms include:
- Severe arm pain that develops suddenly
- Weak or no pulse in the arm
- Change in color in the fingers, often pale or blueish
- Extreme cold sensation in the hand
- Cramping pain in during movement
- Rapid onset of severe weakness in the entire arm
These symptoms often worsen with overhead activities or when carrying heavy objects. Many people notice increased discomfort at night or when lying in certain positions.
Diagnosing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome can be challenging to diagnose because symptoms overlap with other conditions like herniated discs or carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor will likely perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other injuries.
Physical examination includes specific maneuvers that reproduce your symptoms by compressing the thoracic outlet. Your doctor may check your pulse while moving your arm into different positions or ask you to perform certain movements.
Your doctor may also request imaging studies:
- X-rays to reveal extra ribs or bone abnormalities
- MRI scans to show soft tissue damage and swelling
- CT scans to provide detailed images of bone structures
- Nerve conduction studies to measure electrical activity in your nerves
Blood tests may be ordered to check for clotting disorders or other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment Options for Car Accident Victims With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Treatment typically begins with physical therapy, focusing on exercises that improve posture, strengthen muscles, and reduce nerve compression.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Strengthening exercises for your shoulder and neck muscles
- Posture training to reduce pressure on the thoracic outlet
- Pain management techniques including heat and cold therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
For severe cases that don't respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include removing a rib, cutting specific muscles, or repositioning blood vessels to relieve compression.
Protecting Your Right to Compensation
Many insurance companies attempt to minimize claims for thoracic outlet syndrome because the condition isn't always immediately apparent after an accident. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers can help document the connection between your seat belt injury and thoracic outlet syndrome. This includes gathering medical records, expert testimony, and evidence showing how the condition affects your daily life and earning capacity.
Your personal injury compensation may include
- Medical expenses. This covers all treatment costs for your thoracic outlet syndrome, including doctor visits, imaging studies, physical therapy, and any required surgery.
- Lost wages. You can recover income lost while unable to work due to your injury, including time off for medical appointments and general recovery.
- Pain and suffering damages. This addresses the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your seat belt injury.
Don't let insurance companies dismiss your seat belt injury as minor. Thoracic outlet syndrome can have lasting effects on your health and livelihood, and you deserve full compensation for all related damages.
