No answers but I have similar issues in the T4-T6 and T12-L1. At first, I just had muscle spasms and pain wrapping around the chest; but lately, I've developed tingling and now the sharp nerve pain. I have been referred to a physiatrist so I know an MRI is in my future. My aunt has had 5-7 levels of her thoracic spine fused. I have a 3 year old so I can relate to your situation.

I haven't had epidural shots in the thoracic spine but have had the shots on the cervical and lumbar spine. In both cases, the shots brought relief. I have tried chiropractor help (6 plus years now) but haven't had success with that lately. I started seeing a naturopath earlier this year who takes a whole body approach rather than addressing one specific segment that has helped me tremendously when I'm having the flares.

Your arm pins/numbness/tingling: Maybe a cervical issue or peripheral issues - Do you notice a specific distribution?

My wife has herniations in the thoracic area. They are rare. Before doing anything like chiropractic, I would see a pain specialist (a good one) and get a few epidural shots. My wife's pain doc recommended against chiropractic in this area (although he's all for it in the lumbar spine) because it's such a sensitive area.

The symptoms you have are classic thoracic herniation pain symptoms. I would get this taken care of before they take root. My wife waited and lived to regret it -- she now has chronic pain. As for whether impingement will cause serious problems, have a pain doc look at your MRIs and tell you what he thinks. Some herntaions are worse than others; some heal on their own over time. But a doc can check MRIs a month or two apart and tell you how your progress is going.

Come to think of it, before you start ANY home remedy treatment, go to a pain doc. This is a sensitive area and cannot be messed with. This is not the lumbar spine, where there is lots of room and herniations are common.

If you're in the DC-Baltimore area, I can recommend a few great pain docs. If they use a floroscope (which allows them to see where they're injecting) the epidural injections are very safe.