The thoracic spine is the least mobile part of the spinal column. The attachment of the rib cage, together with thinner discs, combine to reduce its movement considerably.

Thoracic pain can come from many causes including spondylosis – it is important to point out that acute disc prolapses are rare in the thoracic spine but disc degeneration is common, Tietze’s disease (due to inflammation at the front of the ribcage) or even ankylosing spondylitis can also arise.