Mobilization is More Effective Reducing Arm and Neck Pain, and Increasing Function than Selfmobilization in Th4 Syndrome
Abstract
Background. T4 syndrome is a condition that can occur when the upper thoracic vertebrae are in malalignment and can cause paresthesia of the upper extremities, numbness of the arms and forearms, cold sensation of the upper limbs or severe sweating. Hand movement control may be impaired. Upper limb pain may be related to headaches or upper limb stiffness. Back pain in the scapula area, chest pain and stiffness in the front or back may be present (Fernández-de-las-Peñas et al, 2015; Conroy, Schneiders, 2005).The aim. To investigate the effect of thoracic mobilization and selfmobilization on arm and neck pain, function as well as quality of life in subjects with Th4 syndrome symptoms.Methods. Twenty subjects with Th4 syndrome symptoms participated in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: MOB group received mobilization, SAVIMOB group performed selfmobilization of the thoracic spine. All the subjects were examined and filled in the questionnaires: SF-36 questionnaire; neurological examination (evaluation of myotome and dermatome, and reflexes, special tests for cervical spine); goniometry; Manual muscle testing; pain evaluation; evaluation of neurodynamics.Results. The results showed that pain level in the neck and arms in the MOB group after mobilization decreased from 4.8 ± 1.55 to 3.3 ± 0.71 (p < 0.05) and from 4.5 ± 0.71 to 2.8 ± 1.34 (p < 0.05). The SAVIMOB group pain after selfimobilization decreased from 3.6 ± 0.84 to 2.3 ± 1.7 (p > 0.05), and from 4 ± 1.56 to 3 ± 2.49 (p > 0.05). Mobilisation had a positive effect on social functioning, physical status and activity limitation due to physical and emotional disorders.Conclusion. Mobilization has a greater effect on neck and arm pain, it tends to improve spinal mobility and quality of life, especially after two months, compared to selfmobilization.
Keywords: Th4 syndrome, thoracic mobilization, selfmobilization.
