Thoracic spine pain is fortunately relatively uncommon. When thoracic spine pain does occur the clinical evaluation is the first step in determining the source of the pain.

Once a clinical evaluation has been performed then imaging studies may be ordered.

The combination of clinical findings and test results may then point to the most likely cause of your pain. As thoracic spine pain is relatively uncommon every patient is different. We do not have detailed research studies to help in management. Decision making comes down to physician experience.