What is T4 Syndrome? Do I Have It?

Upper Back and Shoulder Anatomy

Our upper back (thoracic spine) and shoulders have a symbiotic relationship. The require each other to move optimally in order to move optimally themselves. The shoulder is composed of numerous joints and 3 bones. The three bones are the humerous (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collar bone).

The way that the clavicle and scapula move rely on the thoracic spine and rib cage. The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae counting from top to bottom T1 through T12. Above T1 is C7 (Cervical 7) and below T12 is L1 (Lumbar 1).If we are stuck in a hunched over posture (see next week's blog about posture) than the shoulder blade and clavicle cannot move properly. If you are able to get out of the hunched posture easily, then you should be able to move your shoulder, but sometimes you can't. Sometimes due to a lot of sitting, or sudden movements out of normal range for the spine, we can irritate nerves in the area. This leads us to something we call T4 Syndrome. Meaning an issue at the 4th Thoracic vertebra.

Symptoms of T4 Syndrome

• Diffuse arm pain

• Pins and needles or numbness in the arm

• Symptoms in neck, upper back, chest

• Increased stiffness in the morning

• Weakness

• Abnormal Reflexes

• Sensory issues

• Difficulty sitting in one position for extended amounts of time

You do not need to have all of these to have T4 Syndrome. Just one or two of these symptoms may mean that you have some nerve irritation in the thoracic spine. Making the movement of your arms and shoulders difficult.

Self Treatment for T4 Syndrome

There are a number of things that you can try safely to help heal from T4 Syndrome. You can stretch your upper back with things like Child's Pose. You can do thoracic spine flexion and extension mobility exercises (here). And you can also work on strengthening your upper body. It is important to note that none of these should increase your symptoms. If they do, you should stop and talk with a physio (425-202-5687) to make sure what you are doing is safe.