Thoracic Zygapophyseal Joint Pain Patterns

Anticipatory postural adjustments to arm movement reveal complex control of paraspinal muscles in the thorax

“…Although the reported incidence of thoracic pain is less than neck and low back pain (Hinkley and Drysdale, 1995;Occhipinti et al, 1993), structures in the thoracic spine can be a source of pain (Bogduk, 2002;Dreyfuss et al, 1994), and when present, thoracic pain can be as disabling as pain in other regions of the spine (Edmondston and Singer, 1997;Occhipinti et al, 1993). However, little is known of the strategies used by the central nervous system to control mobility and stability of the thorax.…”

Intra-Articular Meniscoid Folds in Thoracic Zygapophysial Joints

“…5 Very few studies have investigated the contribution made by these joints to acute thoracic pain. 6 The lack of research on the thoracic ZAJs is surprising, since what are termed "dysfunctions" of the facet joints are used clinically to explain thoracic back pain to thousands of patients every day in the fields of orthopedics, neurosurgery, and general and family medicine. The extensive field of manipulative medicine aims to treat these dysfunctions.…”

Interrater Reliability of a Passive Physiological Intervertebral Motion Test in the Mid-Thoracic Spine

“…Zygapophyseal joints have been found to be a significant source of local and referred pain in the thoracic region. 4 The second component of the local examination includes a palpatory evaluation of specific intervertebral movements for the identification of motion loss in specific segments. 5 which a hypomobility is found is valuable for determining the optimal treatment to apply to the segment.…”