It started with a simple rear-end crash. Maybe it happened while waiting at a red light or in slow-moving traffic. You walked away feeling shaken but grateful—only to find days or weeks later that you can’t shake the pain in your shoulder, arm, or neck.
This delayed pain might be a sign of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition that can develop after a rear-end collision and become progressively more disabling. At Bollwerk & Associates, a St. Louis law firm dedicated to personal injury law, we help clients understand how these delayed symptoms can be connected to their accident and how to pursue compensation for ongoing medical care, lost wages, and more.
Keep reading to learn how rear-end accidents can cause thoracic outlet syndrome, why the symptoms may be delayed, and how our St. Louis car accident lawyers can help you build a strong claim.
What Is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed in the space between the collarbone and first rib, known as the thoracic outlet. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm and hand. In some cases, it can affect blood flow, causing discoloration or swelling.
Rear-end collisions, especially those involving whiplash or shoulder trauma, can cause soft tissue injuries and inflammation that narrow this already tight space. The result may not be immediate. Instead, the symptoms can appear gradually—sometimes days or weeks after the crash—making it harder for victims to recognize the connection.
Both men and women can suffer from thoracic outlet syndrome, but women have an increased risk due to hormonal factors and anatomical differences.
How Rear-End Crashes Contribute to Delayed Symptoms
In a rear-end collision, the body is violently thrown forward and then jolted back. This sudden motion can strain muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck and shoulders. While whiplash is commonly diagnosed after these crashes, thoracic outlet syndrome may not be identified right away.
Here’s why delayed symptoms are common:
- Soft tissue swelling develops over time. As inflammation increases, it can compress the brachial plexus or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet.
- Nerve irritation may initially be mild. Numbness or tingling can worsen with repetitive use or poor posture as the body compensates for pain.
- Initial diagnosis may focus on other injuries. Without imaging or a thorough physical exam, TOS can go undetected.
Common Symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
If you were in a rear-end crash and now experience any of the following symptoms, you could be suffering from TOS:
- Persistent pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Weak grip strength
- Discoloration or swelling in the arm or hand
- Limited range of motion or heaviness in the arm, especially after repetitive use
These symptoms may worsen when lifting your arms, carrying objects, or holding a phone or steering wheel for extended periods.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Because thoracic outlet syndrome can mimic other injuries, getting a proper diagnosis often requires a combination of physical exams, imaging, and nerve conduction studies. Early diagnosis is critical to avoid permanent nerve damage and improve outcomes.
Treatment options include:
- Physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist can help you strengthen surrounding muscles and relieve compression.
- Pain management. This might include anti-inflammatory medications and nerve blocks.
- Surgical intervention. Surgery is typically only considered in severe cases where conservative treatment fails.
Make sure to inform your doctor of your accident history so they can connect your symptoms to your crash. This documentation will be essential for your injury claim.
Legal Help for Delayed Injury Claims in St. Louis
Insurance companies are quick to question injuries that don’t appear immediately after a crash. They may argue that your thoracic outlet syndrome is unrelated or preexisting. That’s why working with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
At Bollwerk & Associates, we work with physicians, gather expert opinions, and build detailed timelines that connect your symptoms to your accident. Our team also helps you calculate long-term damages, including lost wages, future medical costs, and pain and suffering.
Thoracic outlet syndrome can disrupt your life long after a rear-end crash. You don’t have to suffer in silence or accept an insurance settlement that doesn’t cover your future care. Let us help you find the best path forward.
