Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

▪ 18 and 60 years old.

▪ Thoracic pain * for at least 3 months (constant or recurrent).

▪ Pain within T6 to T8 region indicated on the pain diagram and/or during physical examination at the start of the first session.

▪ Pain intensity at the start of the first session ≥5/100.

Exclusion criteria

▪ Having a history of thoracic surgery or fracture.

▪ Diagnosed with a non-spine-related condition that might refers pain to the chest wall (e.g. heart, lung or oesophagus conditions).

▪ Diagnosed or suspected with one of the following conditions: spine-related inflammatory arthritis, aorta aneurism, advanced osteoporosis, neuromuscular disease, myelopathy, malignant tumors, uncontrolled hypertension, radiculopathy, neurologic deficit, thoracic herniated disc, current infection, thoracic scoliosis (Cobb’s angle > 20°).

▪ Being a pregnant woman.