How could you tell the difference between intercostal neuralgia and thoracic radiculopathy?

Anatomy: Both entities are relatively uncommon. A thoracic radiculopathy implies nerve root compression due to a ruptured thoracic disc or foramenal narrowing at exit from the spinal canal. Anatomically, radiological imaging can demonstrate these mechanisms. As a contrast, an intercostal neuralgia may not demonstrate clearcut nerve compression on imaging.