Arm/Hand Conditions (see also Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
The T4 syndrome: some basic science aspects.
Evans P. Physiotherapy, 1997;83:186-189
The “T4 Syndrome” describes
many symptoms that appear to be related to a subluxation of
the upper thoracic vertebrae and especially the 4th thoracic
(T4) vertebrae.
The symptoms of this condition include: heaviness
and swelling in one or both upper extremities, and “creepy crawly” feelings
of the shoulders, arms or hands. In addition, pain may occur
in a tight band around the upper arm. There may be a feeling
of heat or cold in one or both hands.
Because the sympathetic
system can be involved, patients with this syndrome may feel
heart-like pain in the chest and left upper extremity and think
they are having a heart attack.
The T4 Syndrome. DeFranca GG,
Levine LJ, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
1995; 18:34-37.
The T4 syndrome is a group of symptoms that
arise due to vertebral subluxation of the 4th thoracic vertebrae.
Among the symptoms are bilateral hand numbness that disturbs
sleep, and sympathetic symptoms such as symptoms affecting
the heart and other organs and skin temperature. As a result
this condition can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome.
In
this paper of three patients with T4 syndrome, the condition
cleared up after a few chiropractic adjustments with no recurrence
at a 6 month follow-up.
Copyright 2004 Koren Publications, Inc. & Tedd
Koren, D.C.