Table of Contents
Where is T4 located in your back?
The fourth thoracic vertebra, known as the T4 vertebra, is located in the upper region of the middle back and plays an important role in supporting the rib cage. The thoracic spine is relatively stable compared to the cervical (upper) and lumbar (lower) spinal regions because most of it is fixed to the ribcage.
What nerves are affected by T4?
Thoracic Nerve Functions
- T1 and T2 (top two thoracic nerves) feed into nerves that go into the top of the chest as well as into the arm and hand.
- T3, T4, and T5 feed into the chest wall and aid in breathing.
- T6, T7, and T8 can feed into the chest and/or down into the abdomen.
What spinal nerve is between T4 and T5?
Each thoracic spinal nerve is named for the vertebra above it. eg the T4 nerve root runs between the T4 vertebra and T5 vertebra. There are 12 thoracic spinal nerve root pairs (two at each thoracic vertebral level), starting at vertebral level T1-T2 and going down to T12-L1.
What is T4 syndrome of the spine?
It is thought that the T4 syndrome is a complex autonomic sympathetic dysregulation with its origin in the upper thoracic spine. Patients can have different symptoms in their hands, headache and also thoracic and/or neck pain.
How is T4 syndrome treated?
T4 syndrome can be successfully treated with physiotherapy and therefore it is important to see a physiotherapist as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms. You should rest from any movements that cause pain and other neurological symptoms. Ice can be used on the affected area to help reduce any swelling.
How do you sit with a fractured vertebrae?
“Walk tall” and keep the normal curves in your spine. For sitting, choose a straight-backed chair with arms that offers firm but comfortable support. Avoid soft overstuffed chairs or sofas that cause you to “sink” into them. Review all handouts for posture and body mechanics.
What are the symptoms of T4 syndrome?
What are the symptoms of T4 syndrome? Diffuse arm pain, pins and needles and numbness in the arm are common symptoms of T4 syndrome. This is because the nerves at the T4 level supply specific areas of the arm. You may also experience these symptoms in the neck, upper back and chest region.
How do you fix T4 syndrome?
Treatment for T4 syndrome includes:
- Chiropractic adjustments.
- Soft tissue work on the upper back and neck muscles.
- Ultrasound.
- TENS unit.
- Postural exercises.
- Stretching muscles of the chest.
- Strengthening muscles of the upper back.
- At home exercises to keep good posture.
What does T4 and T5 control?
The T1-T4 thoracic sections control primarily chest muscles and organs, such as the heart and lungs. The T5 – T8 vertebrae affect the abdominal muscles, as well as some of the chest.
What does T4 nerve control?
The T4 vertebra has nerves controlling the gallbladder and common duct, though it does affect the lungs and bronchial tubes additionally. As a result, T4 pain symptoms can show themselves through gallbladder trouble, gallstones, and jaundice.
How do you get rid of T4?
How does T4 syndrome occur?
The most common cause of T4 syndrome is overuse injury and it usually seen in patients who perform excessive amounts of bending, lifting and twisting movements seen in sports such as gymnastics and pole dancing. T4 syndrome however can also occur due to impact or pressure to the spine causing damage to happen suddenly.