It is highly unusual to have central canal stenosis at T1-3 without some significant preexisting problems here like a previous fracture or injury.
Not having leg weakness or bowel/bladder dysfunction is a plus. The physical examination would demonstrate long tract signs if the cord was involved. These include lower extremity clonus, hyperreflexia and incoordination of gait (triangle test and gait analysis). You would notice problems with leg coordination with walking.
You might not have cord symptoms but you might have nerve root symptoms. The nerve roots in this area do go to the hand, the scapula and the front of the chest wall right below the nipple.
To prove these nerve are irritated, you can consider SNRBs (selective nerve root blocks-see website) and the use of a pain diary (see website).
A good spine surgeon should be able to ferret out the cause of your symptoms.
Dr. Corenman
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.