Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Your thoracic outlet is the space between your collarbone and first rib that allows blood vessels and nerves to go from your neck under your collarbone and down through the arm. If these tissues become compressed, it can cause serious pain from your neck to your finger tips. This is called thoracic outlet syndrome.
One of the most common causes of thoracic outlet syndrome, or TOS, is repetitive stress from occupational tasks. If you now have TOS due to a workplace injury, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits to help you with your pain and suffering. To discuss your case, contact an experienced Raleigh workers’ comp attorney from Scudder & Hedrick, PLLC today at 919-851-3311.
Symptoms of TOS
As you perform the same motion over and over again, it can gradually wear down your body’s tissues. This leads to inflammation, which can compress nerves and blood vessels. If nerves are compressed, it is called neurological thoracic outlet syndrome. If blood vessels are restricted, it results in vascular TOS. The symptoms of each type include:
- Neurological TOS – numbness, tingling, aching in your arm or hand, loss of grip strength, general pain in your shoulder
- Vascular TOS – swelling of the arm, discoloration of the hand and fingers, throbbing lump near the collarbone
TOS Treatment
If diagnosed early, most TOS cases can be treated with a combination of physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, in more extreme cases, surgeons may have to cut open the thoracic outlet and relieve pressure by removing a portion of your first rib or any fibrous growths blocking the nerves and blood vessels.
Contact Us
Thoracic outlet syndrome can be debilitating, and it should not be taken lightly. If you now have this condition due to a workplace repetitive stress injury, you may be eligible for benefits to help you recover. Contact a knowledgeable Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer from Scudder & Hedrick, PLLC at 919-851-3311to learn more about your legal options.
