When you're in a car accident, the anatomical structures of your neck are exposed to severe stresses and strains. We've been treating whiplash patients in Portland since 1980, and many patients develop scar tissue in the neck and shoulder after a crash. Left untreated, neck injury can eventually result in restriction of the nerves and blood vessels that travel down the arm, resulting in thoracic outlet syndrome (or TOS).
Thoracic outlet syndrome is felt as numbness, prickling, soreness or decreased blood flow in the shoulders, arms or fingers.
The thoracic outlet is a narrow space where a vital bundle of nerves and arteries pass between the head and arm. The space is narrow and injury to the neck can cause swelling of the muscle tissue in the region, which can then squeeze the nerves and result in symptoms.
Because the neck is intricate, it can be tricky identifying the precise origin of your pain, and other conditions can mimic the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.
If you've been in a car crash and have signs of thoracic outlet syndrome, Dr. Helton is here to help. We can help pinpoint the root cause of your pain and formulate a plan of action to help you reclaim your health. We've helped many patients in Portland (Woodstock, Sellwood) improve from these types of problems since 1980 and we might be able to help you, as well!
Call our office today at (503) 771-1974 for a consultation or for more advice.
