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). ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study did not receive any funding. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The study will use ONLY openly available human data that were originally located at the following databases: medline, cinahl, cochrane, prospero, clinicaltrial.gov, google scholar. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced are available online at the following databases: medline, cinahl, cochrane, prospero, clinicaltrial.gov, google scholar.