Table 1 Section 2: Synopsis of the Statements Reported in the Survey Instrument (Sect. 2)

1) Non-specific TSP is experienced between the thoracic levels T1-T12 and the most lateral margins of the erector spinae muscles

IASP [5]

2) Non-specific TSP is experienced between the thoracic levels C7-T1 and T12-L1, centrally to the spine

Fouquet et al. [48]

3) Non-specific TSP is experienced in the region of the thoracic spine, between the thoracic levels T1–T12 and across the posterior side of the trunk

Briggs et al. [4]

4) It is not possible to identify clinically, via palpation and / or through instrumental tests a specific musculoskeletal structure as the source of pain

Wood et al. [49]

5) Non-specific TSP is experienced in thoracic region but has multisystemic origin

H.J. Myburgh [34]

6) It is not necessary to identify a specific musculoskeletal structure that can be defined as the source of non-specific TSP

Rock, J. M. & Rainey, C. E [50]

7) It is possible to identify clinically, via palpation and / or through instrumental tests a specific musculoskeletal structure that can be defined as the source of pain

H.J. Myburgh [34]

8) Chest imaging (MRI, CT, RX) is necessary to express the clinical diagnosis of non-specific TSP

Chou et al [51]; Blanpied, P. et al [52]; M. Nordin et al. [53]

9) Clinical interview is necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

10) Manual tests are necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

11) Physical examination is necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

12) Active movements observation is necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

13) Neurological examination is necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]; Skillgate et al. [12]

14) Passive range-of-motion examination is necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

15) The soft tissue palpation is necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

16) Regional and segmental joint provocation tests are necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

17) Regional and segmental passive tests are necessary to diagnose non-specific TSP clinically

Heneghan [16]

18) Psychosocial factors should be investigated when it comes to non-specific musculoskeletal pain

Williams D.A [54]; Linton, S. J. et al. [55]

19) Kinesiophobia could influence non-specific TSP perception

Williams D.A [54]; Linton, S. J. et al. [55]

20) Pain catastrophising could influence the non-specific TSP perception

Williams D.A [54]; Linton, S. J. et al. [55]

21) Psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety disorders and major depression) could influence the non-specific TSP perception.

Williams D.A [54]; Linton, S. J. et al. [55]

22) Contextual and social factors could influence non-specific TSP perception

Williams D.A [54]; Linton, S. J. et al. [55]

23) Social factors work-related could influence non-specific TSP perception

Williams D.A [54]; Linton, S. J. et al. [55]

24) Generic exercise (i.e., generic physical activity, muscle stretching, strength/proprioceptive/muscular endurance exercises) is important in the short-term treatment

Heneghan [16]; Skillgate et al. [12]

25) Education and information are effective in the short-term treatment

Moseley et al [56]; Louw et al [57]; Nijs et al. [58]

26) Manual therapy (such as spinal manipulation, spinal and soft tissue mobilisation) is important in the short-term treatment

Schiller [11]; Skillgate [12]; Lehtola [13]; Pecos-Martin [14]; Heneghan et al. [16]

27) Generic exercise (i.e., generic physical activity, muscle stretching, strength/proprioceptive/muscular endurance exercises) is important in the long-term treatment

Heneghan [16]; Skillgate et al. [12]

28) Education and information are effective in the long-term treatment

Moseley et al. [56]; Louw et al. [57]; Nijs et al. [58]

29) Manual therapy (such as spinal manipulation, spinal and soft tissue mobilisation) is important in the long-term treatment

Schiller [11]; Skillgate [12]; Lehtola [13]; Pecos-Martin [14]; Heneghan et al. [16]