After your car accident, the ER ruled out broken bones, but you know that something still isn’t right. You’re struggling with pain in your neck, numbness down your arm, and a grip that feels weaker by the day.
If this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition that can lead to lasting complications if left untreated. At Bollwerk & Associates, our St. Louis car accident lawyers help crash victims with TOS understand their symptoms, fight for necessary medical care, and seek the compensation they deserve.
Types of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when blood vessels or nerves are compressed in the space between your collarbone and first rib. This narrow area, known as the thoracic outlet, can become even more restricted after trauma.
TOS often results from whiplash, seat belt impact, or arm bracing during a car crash. It may take days or even weeks after the accident for symptoms to appear.
There are three main types of TOS:
- Neurogenic TOS. The most common type, it occurs when the brachial plexus—a network of nerves that controls muscle movements and sensations in the shoulder, arm, and hand—is compressed. Victims may experience tingling, numbness, shooting pain, or weakness, especially when lifting their arms or turning their head.
- Venous TOS. This type involves the compression of a major vein, typically the subclavian vein. It can cause swelling, a feeling of heaviness, visible veins, or bluish discoloration in the affected limb.
- Arterial TOS. The rarest and most dangerous form, arterial TOS results from compression of the subclavian artery. It can restrict blood flow, leading to cold hands, pale fingers, or—if left untreated—serious complications like aneurysms or embolisms.
Risk of Permanent Damage
Thoracic outlet syndrome can cause irreversible harm if it isn't properly diagnosed and treated early. Areas of concern include:
- Nerve damage. With neurogenic TOS, persistent compression of the brachial plexus can result in chronic pain, permanent numbness, and muscle atrophy. When nerves are deprived of adequate space and blood supply, they lose their ability to transmit signals properly. Over time, nerve damage can reduce mobility, weaken grip strength, and limit fine motor skills, making it difficult to write, lift, or perform tasks required for many jobs.
- Vascular damage. In venous or arterial TOS, restricted blood flow can cause more than just temporary discomfort. Compression of veins may lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), post-thrombotic syndrome, discoloration, and chronic pain. In arterial cases, the consequences can be even more severe. Complications such as aneurysms, embolisms, or tissue death from ischemia may require surgical intervention. In extreme cases, there may be a risk of limb loss.
- Long-term disability. Individuals with untreated or late-diagnosed TOS often find themselves unable to return to the type of work they once did—especially if it involves repetitive motion, heavy lifting, or sustained posture. The condition can also interfere with everyday tasks like cooking, driving, or caring for children.
- Mental and emotional toll. Many people with untreated TOS report anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of independence. The mental health risks are highest when symptoms interfere with a person’s livelihood or quality of life.
How Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
If your TOS was caused by a car crash, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers can make sure you’re treated fairly by insurance companies. Here's how:
- Securing proper diagnosis and treatment. We help you connect with medical providers who can accurately diagnose TOS and provide supporting documentation for your personal injury claim.
- Calculating long-term costs. Chronic TOS can lead to lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and lifelong medical needs. We make sure these damages are included in your compensation claim.
- Fighting insurance denials. Because TOS symptoms can be delayed or misunderstood, insurers often dispute these claims. Our team builds strong medical evidence to validate your injuries.
- Negotiating or litigating your claim. Whether we reach a settlement or go to court, our goal is to maximize your recovery and secure the resources you need.
Thoracic outlet syndrome may sound like a rare or minor issue, but it’s neither—especially when caused by trauma. If left untreated, it can rob you of your health, independence, and earning potential.
At Bollwerk & Associates, our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand how serious TOS can be. We help clients get the care they need—and the compensation they deserve.
