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

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).