Learn what causes thoracic outlet syndrome, which workers are most at risk, and how to file a claim in Montana if you’re affected
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex condition that can significantly impact the health of Montana workers in a variety of industries. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment for TOS as well as your rights to workers’ compensation benefits is essential for anyone facing this condition.
This article will guide you through the key aspects of TOS and explain the steps you need to take to file a workers’ compensation claim in Montana if you’re affected.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet—the space between your collarbone and first rib—become compressed. This condition is classified into 3 main types based on the structures affected:
- Neurogenic TOS involves the nerves.
- Venous TOS involves the veins.
- Arterial TOS involves the arteries.
Is TOS a rare disease?
Determining the true incidence of TOS is challenging, but according to a 2019 article in the journal Pain and Therapy, TOS affects anywhere between 3 and 80 people per 1,000. This variability in incidence highlights the complexity of recognizing the symptoms and diagnosing TOS.
What are the red flags of thoracic outlet syndrome?
When the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet are compressed, it can lead to various symptoms that impact daily life. These symptoms include:
- Pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Often includes thoracic back pain radiating from the upper back into the arms.
- Coldness and circulatory issues. The hand or arm may feel cold, and the pulse in the wrist may weaken, especially with arterial TOS.
- Numbness and tingling. Typically felt in the fingers, hand, or arm.
- Swelling and skin discoloration. The arm or hand may swell and show a bluish tint, particularly if veins are compressed.
- Blood clots and sores. In more severe cases, blood clots can form, and sores or ulcers may develop on the fingers due to poor circulation.
- Muscle weakness. Weakness in the arm or hand, which may lead to a weaker grip.
Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for effective management and preventing further complications.
What happens if thoracic outlet syndrome is left untreated?
If thoracic outlet syndrome is not addressed, the condition can progressively worsen, leading to significant complications:
- In cases of neurogenic TOS, untreated symptoms like pain, numbness, and weakness can escalate, potentially resulting in muscle wasting and considerable loss of function in the affected area.
- For venous TOS, ignoring treatment can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic swelling, and pain, with the added danger of a pulmonary embolism if a clot travels to the lungs.
- Arterial TOS, when left untreated, can cause severe issues such as blood clots, intense pain, and, in severe situations, ulcers or gangrene, which might necessitate surgery.
Overall, failing to treat TOS can drastically impair daily life, work capabilities, and long-term well-being, often leading to chronic pain that becomes increasingly challenging to manage.
Montana Workers’ Compensation FAQ
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about workers’ compensation in Montana.
What is the most common cause of thoracic outlet syndrome?
TOS arises when blood vessels or nerves in the thoracic outlet become compressed. This compression can result from several different factors, each contributing to the development of TOS in unique ways. Some of the most common causes include:
- Traumatic injuries. Serious vehicle accidents like rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, and pile-up accidents can lead to post-traumatic thoracic outlet syndrome when scar tissue or anatomical changes compress the nerves or blood vessels.
- Poor posture. Prolonged slouching or hunching forward can increase pressure on the thoracic outlet.
- Pregnancy. Fluid retention, altered posture, and changes in the joints during pregnancy can also lead to TOS.
- Repetitive movements. Activities that involve repetitive use of the arms and shoulders, such as lifting or overhead reaching, can lead to TOS and other repetitive stress injuries.
- Anatomical abnormalities. Having extra ribs or a tight ligament connecting your spine to your ribs can naturally compress the thoracic outlet.
- Tumors or growths. These can press on the structures in the thoracic outlet.
Whether through direct compression or structural changes over time, these factors can lead to the development of TOS, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes to manage and prevent this condition effectively.
Can you develop TOS because of work?
Yes, you can develop TOS due to work, particularly if your job involves repetitive movements, awkward positions, or heavy lifting. Workers who drive for a living are also at higher risk for post-traumatic thoracic outlet syndrome following a thoracic injury from a work-related car accident.
Workers who are especially prone to developing TOS include:
- Construction workers
- Utility workers
- Delivery drivers
- First responders
- Assembly line workers
- Office workers
- Truck drivers
- Health care workers
- Athletes
- Musicians
- Painters
The types of work-related activities associated with these jobs can put significant strain on the thoracic outlet, leading to the development of TOS over time.
When Does Workers’ Comp Offer a Settlement?
A guide to workers’ comp settlement offers, including when they’re offered, how they’re calculated, and key factors to consider.
Is it possible to claim workers’ compensation for TOS?
Yes, it is possible to get workers’ compensation for TOS if it’s determined that your condition is work-related. In Montana, most businesses that employ 1 or more full- or part-time employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ compensation covers injuries and occupational illnesses and diseases that arise due to your job as long as you can show that your work activities contributed to or caused the condition.
What types of benefits does workers’ comp offer if you have TOS?
In Montana, workers’ compensation offers a range of benefits aimed at helping injured workers get medical care, maintain financial stability, and return to the workforce when possible. The available benefits include:
- Medical benefits. Workers’ comp covers all necessary medical treatments related to your work injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
- Wage replacement. If your injury or illness prevents you from working, you are eligible for wage replacement benefits. These benefits help compensate for a portion of your lost wages during your recovery, typically two-thirds.
- Vocational rehabilitation. If you’re unable to return to your previous job due to your injury or illness, workers’ comp may provide vocational rehabilitation services. These services can include job retraining, education, and assistance in finding new employment suited to your condition.
- Death benefits. In the unfortunate event that a work-related injury or illness results in death, workers’ comp provides death benefits to the dependents of the deceased worker. These benefits can help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to surviving family members.
The types and amount of benefits you can receive vary depending on the severity of your condition, so be sure to discuss your case with an experienced Montana workers’ compensation attorney before accepting a settlement offer so you can understand how much your claim is actually worth.
What are the steps to file for workers’ comp in Montana?
If you’ve developed thoracic outlet syndrome or sustained another injury on the job in Montana, understanding the workers’ compensation claims process is crucial to securing the benefits you need. Here’s what you need to do to file for workers’ comp:
- Seek medical treatment. Begin by getting a medical diagnosis and treatment from an employer-approved doctor. This is essential for documenting your TOS or other injury and initiating the workers’ compensation process.
- Notify your employer. Report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Prompt notification is vital to ensuring the validity of your claim.
- Complete the First Report of Injury form. Fill out the worker’s portion of the First Report of Injury form. Your employer must then complete their section and submit the form to their insurance company within 6 days.
- Wait for the insurer’s decision. The insurance company has 30 days to accept or deny your claim. They should notify you of their decision within this period.
Please note that if your claim is denied, you have the option to file an appeal within 2 years. It’s highly recommended that you seek assistance from a workers’ compensation attorney to navigate the appeals process to increase your chance of success.
Reach out to an experienced Montana workers’ compensation attorney for help
Navigating the complexities of TOS and filing for workers’ compensation in Montana can be challenging, but understanding the process is crucial for securing the benefits you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with TOS or another work-related injury, taking the right steps promptly can make all the difference in your recovery and financial stability.
At Murphy Law Firm, our experienced Great Falls workers’ compensation attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience, and we’re here to help you through every step of the process, including gathering evidence to support your claim, negotiating with insurers to maximize your benefits, and filing an appeal if necessary.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
References
Jones, M. R., Prabhakar, A., Viswanath, O., Urits, I., Green, J. B., Kendrick, J. B., Brunk, A. J., Eng, M. R., Orhurhu, V., Cornett, E. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2019). Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Pain and Therapy, 8(1), 5–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-019-0124-2
