The frequency of segmental thoracic pain in 1097 patients admitted complaining of chest pain was investigated by specific examination of the thoracic vertebrae and segments. The examination is easily performed with minimal risk to possible coronary patients. Segmental thoracic pain accounts for 13% of chest pains in a medical department, making it the third most common chest pain (behind coronary thrombosis pain 39%, angina pectoris 20%). Treatment by local paravertebral anaesthesia is simple and effective in most cases.