Arm/Hand Conditions (see also Carpal Tunnel Syndro

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 4^th 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 4^th 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.