20 May Physiotherapy And T4 Syndrome
The upper spine consists of 12 bones (known as vertebras) from T1-T12. Each vertebra in the upper spine joins with the vertebra below and above via a disc that acts like a cushion. These vertebras, discs and facet joints on either side of the spine allow movement of the spine and support the weight of the body. The nerves which are in close proximity to these joints can be irritated or damaged following an injury to either the facet joint or disc of the particular level.
Injury occurs following certain movements of the spine (ie. Compressive or stretching forces) which exceeds what the joints at the level can withstand. Hence, T4 Syndrome occurs following injury to the disc or facet joint at T4 which in turn affects the nerve root at that same level.
Risk Factors:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor core stability
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle weakness
- Poor posture
- Stiffness in the upper back
- Inappropriate lifting techniques
Causes:
- A new job or hobby that requires continuous bending or stooping. (eg. surgeons, labourers, electricians)
- Spending prolonged periods seated. (eg. in front of a computer)
Aggravating factors:
- Lifting
- arching backwards
- bending forwards
- twisting
- bending sideways
- prolong sitting
- sneezing
- coughing
- driving
Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Diffuse arm pain
- Upper limb and hand paraesthesia
- Forearm and hand numbness
- Clumsiness of the hand
- Heaviness in the arms
- Swollen hands
- Muscle spasms and Stiffness in the upper back (around the affected joints)
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Occasionally pain and stiffness around the chest
- Pain can vary from tight band/ crushing to harp and stabbing with sneezing, coughing, changing positions and deep breathing
Assessment:
- Your physiotherapist will provide a correct diagnosis of your condition based on your clinical examination, symptom behaviour and history. Further investigations may be required such as a CT or MRI to confirm diagnosis
Treatment:
- Physiotherapy is essential for the treatment of T4 Syndrome, which includes some of the following (depending on each individual needs): Education and advice, postural retraining, manual therapy, electrotherapy and exercise prescription. It is important to consult a physiotherapist as soon as you suspect and/ or experience any of the above symptoms. This condition can be successfully treated with physiotherapy.
Get in Touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy
If you believe that you have suffered an injury, or are experiencing some of the symptoms that we have set out here, don’t hesitate to Get in Touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy today.