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Thoracic Radicular Pain

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Pain
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Abstract

Thoracic radicular pain is uncommon compared to lumber or cervical back pain. In fact, only 5% of patients referred to pain clinics present with thoracic back pain. Clinically, thoracic radicular pain is referred to the upper extremities, thorax and abdomen as neurogenic pain, sensory changes and/or muscular weakness.

The variable presentations, locations of pain and rare prevalence provide a real diagnostic challenge. History, physical examination, radiologic imaging and diagnostic blocks may be required for adequate diagnosis and treatment. The following review will focus on anatomy of the thoracic spine, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options of thoracic radicular pain.

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Correspondence to Ali Zahran MD, PhD, FCPSO .

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Zahran, A. (2019). Thoracic Radicular Pain. In: Abd-Elsayed, A. (eds) Pain. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99124-5_135

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99124-5_135

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-99123-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-99124-5

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