T4 Syndrome

Your upper back hurts and your hands are swollen and feel heavy.  As you read the symptoms of T4 syndrom, you realize that if you look at them long enough, you could swear they’re turning blue.

It’s understandable that you would look up those symptoms online before scheduling an appointment to see your health care provider.  However, you need to keep in mind that there are important things to keep in mind when checking with “Dr. Google” and his associate”Dr. WebMd.”

Please remember, that Dr. Google and Dr. WebMd’s are not medical professionals.  Instead, their “higher calling”  is to get you to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with a qualified health care provider.

So if you typed in your symptoms and saw “T4 syndrome” as a possible diagnosis, please remember that you may not have T4 syndrom or T4 damage.  You’ll need to see your physician or chiropractor and allow them to make that diagnosis.

T4 syndrome occurs when the T4 vertebrate in the spine is damaged and causes pain in the arm. The vertebrae bones which make up the spine are named T1 to T12 from top to bottom. When the nerves become damaged and the patients experience the pain and discomfort, this is known as T4 Syndrome. T4 syndrome is rare yet deceptive issue that can present in many different ways.  T4 syndrome most often appears in people whose profession requires long hours in the same position.  Working at a computer most of the work day would be a perfect example.

T4 syndrome can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, myofascial pain syndromes, cervical spine degenerative conditions, thoracic outlet syndrome, cardiac pain and pain originating from the viscera. 

It is crucial that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of T4 syndrome to rule out the possibility of more serious conditions.

What is T4 syndrome?

T4 syndrome is characterized by upper back discomfort and diffuse pain in the arms.  The exact cause of T4 syndrome is unclear but it is hypothesized that constant extreme postures can lead to blood loss in multiple tissues contributing to symptoms. Another possible cause for T4 syndrome is that the facet joints in the thoracic spine become damage, either from poor posture or trauma, and that causes inflammation to the nerve root at that level.  This could lead to symptoms of T4 syndrome.  T4 syndrome is more often found in women than men.  The reason for this sex discrepancy is unknown.

What are the symptoms of T4 syndrome?

The symptoms of T4 syndrome can vary but can present as:

Upper body pain that is or is not associated with headache and/or neck pain.

Upper body pain usually presents as:

• Paraesthesias in all five digits, or whole hand, or forearm-hand
• Hands feel hot or cold
• Heaviness in upper extremities
• Hands feel and may objectively be swollen
• Non-dermatomal aches/pains in arm and/or forearm
• Pain often described as crushing or like a tight band

Other symptoms include:

• Tenderness upon palpation in the upper back region
• Palpation of the ribs can recreate symptoms
• Poor slumped over posture
• Hands are slightly discolored or purple

How do you treat T4 syndrome?

Treatment for T4 syndrome includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Soft tissue work on the upper back and neck muscles
• Ultrasound
• TENS unit
• Postural exercises
• Stretching muscles of the chest
• Strengthening muscles of the upper back
• At home exercises to keep good posture

If you are experiencing symptoms of T4 syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options please call 855-509-5400 so schedule your appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.