Thoracic discopathy and thoracic-chest related pain: a scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Thoracic discopathy refers to the degeneration or herniation of one or more discs in the thoracic spine, which can cause thoracic-chest related pain. Thoracic-chest related pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as it can have various causes, including musculoskeletal, neurological, and visceral. Objectives: This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the current scientific literature on the thoracic discopathy and the thoracic-chest related pain, by examining the available scientific research, as well as to identify any existing gaps in knowledge. Eligibility criteria: The databases of Medline, Cinahl, Cochrane, Prospero were searched using key terms: thoracic, chest, dorsal, disc, hernia, radiculopathy, myelopathy, and pain. We also have searched for Grey literature on clinicaltrial.gov and google scholar. Inclusion criteria: adult population (over 18 years old); thoracic discopathy or thoracic-chest related pain; Italian or English language; no context, geographical or temporal limits. Exclusion criteria: unspecified pathologies and symptoms (as non- specific back pain, low back pain) and specific pathologies without any interest of thoracic disc (as spinal synovial cysts, spinal arachnoid webs, lung herniation ecc).