About the condition

What is T4 syndrome?

Within the thoracic spine (mid-back), there are 12 vertebrae which facilitate spinal movement and provide support.Facet jointsandvertebral discscomprise the vertebrae joints. Dysfunction, general wear and tear or traumatic injury of these bones can pinch or irritate nearbynerves, causing pain and discomfort. This pain is usually felt in the upper body, typically down the arms, and in the head, neck and chest area. Specifically, if nerve compression or joint dysfunction occurs at the fourth thoracic vertebra, it can be classed as T4 syndrome.

Causes

What are the causes?

T4 syndrome is what’s known as a ‘diagnosis of exclusion’ as it will only be diagnosed if symptoms and its presentation do not match withother spinal conditions, sort of like a last resort diagnosis. It is a relatively uncommon condition, and diagnosis is even rarer due to the complexities and other potential sources of pain in the back which need to be ruled out.

Despite this, some of the main risk factors include:

Underlying thoracic dysfunction
Change in routines which involve novel movements
Sudden movement which may or may not overload/overextend the spine
Heavy lifting or strenuous movement/activity
Poor posture
Hypermobility

Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

As a diagnosis of exclusion, T4 syndrome is mainly identified through pain presentation, pattern and response to muscle relaxants and other medications. Associations between the clinical presentation and the specific range of restricted movement is important.

Symptoms include:

Back pain which worsens:With applied pressure/when touched (palpated)At night With activities with movements involving the thoracic spine (e.g., sitting, lying on a bed)
With applied pressure/when touched (palpated)
At night
With activities with movements involving the thoracic spine (e.g., sitting, lying on a bed)
Soreness, tenderness or numbness in the back
Tingling or pins and needles sensation
Poor reflexes or sensory problems
Difficulty with movement
Reduced range of motion
Gait, posture and balance issues

Treatment

Treatment for T4 Syndrome

If you have back pain, it is important to have it assessed by a GP or physiotherapist. A physiotherapist will then be able to rule out any other conditions. They may also refer you for scans to better understand your condition (X-ray, MRI and/or CT).

At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a treatment plan to best fit your recovery goals through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to usespinal support (braces) or a Therapeutic Pillow.

Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
Stretching exercises
Strengthening, conditioning and balance techniques
Restoring range of movement
Postural improvement
Dry needling
Taping
Shockwave Therapy
TENS treatment
Home exercise and self-management techniques
Graded Exposure to load program

T4 Syndrome Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is T4 syndrome?

What are the causes?

What are the symptoms?

Treatment for T4 Syndrome

Treating T4 Syndrome in Sinnamon Park

Get it assessed properly