Clinical Pattern of Thoracic Spine Pain (TSP)

Thoracic spine pain (TSP) is defined as perceived anywhere in the region bounded superiorly by a transverse line through tip of spinous process T1, inferiorly T12, and laterally vertical lines tangential to most lateral margins erector muscles. One year prevalence TSP ranged from 8.3-38.1% different Asian countries. A longitudinal observational study was conducted observe clinical feature, demographic profile course patients, with attending at Department Physical Medicine Rehabilitation (PMR) Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (ShSMCH). Among 100 patients mean age ±SD 34.76±13.26. Highest number (45%) belong 16-30 years group male-female vatioo 3:1. frequency level education 28% belonged higher secondary or diploma. Twenty six percent (26%) were housewife, manual labor 20%, students 19%, sedentary worker 15%, manufacturing industrial 8%, health professional 4%, driver 3% 5% others group. Most them (71%) <12000 taka monthly income 91% patients’ lived urban area. Duration thoracic found acute (6 weeks) 46%, sub-acute (>6-12 16% chronic (>12 38%. Upper among 51% patients. Onset 66% gradual. Mild intensity reported 54% moderate 44% severe only 2% 64% had no radiation. Aggravating factors prolong sitting 42%. More than one third (36%) relieving factor lying, 24% rest, activity Morning stiffness depression 20% 25% respectively. Associated conditions diabetes mellitus (DM) 25%, sleep disturbance 16%, dyspepsia 10%, hypertension (HTN) 7% 42% associated condition. Large occupational 46%; rest MFPS degenerative 14% (dorsal spondylosis 5%, cervical 6% lumbar 3%, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) traumatic 6%. Pott‘s disease 4% cause others. According Numeric Rating Scale first visit mild causes severe. In last 69% (p value=0.001). Assessment joint tenderness visit; 56% grade 1, 2 3, 21% tenderness. it that 1 79% Pain Disability Index disability 67% 31% disability. 74% 26% Teenager, young adults commonly affected M:F=1.5:1. patient upper presented before 6 weeks; common presenting features gradual onset, constant nature, without radiation, aggravated leaning forward, relieved lying significant morning stiffness. MFPS. Occupations housewife labor. They improved significantly value=0.001) conventional treatment.
 Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 26-35