Thoracic pain is pain that is felt in the thoracic region of the body, which includes the chest and upper back. This type of pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from muscle strain to more serious problems such as heart disease or lung cancer. While thoracic pain is not usually serious, it can be quite uncomfortable and may make it difficult to breathe. In most cases, thoracic pain will resolve on its own with rest and over-the-counter medication, but more severe cases may require prescription medication or surgery.