They are the group of disks between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower) disks and often involve mid-back pain and pinched nerves that can radiate through the arms. Very, very uncomforable and often excruciating. Lots of fellow ex-athletes and weight lifters have thoracic disk problems as a result of using bad form at times in their endeavors.
Hope that helps.
Opie
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I'm not a doctor, I just play one on a message forum!