Overview
Thoracic nerve block is a targeted treatment used when irritated thoracic nerves contribute to mid back or rib pain. These nerves run between the ribs and supply sensation to the mid back and chest wall. When they become inflamed or compressed, symptoms may include sharp pain, burning, tingling, or radiating discomfort around the ribs.
This irritation can occur because of disc problems, joint inflammation, muscular tension, injury, or postural strain. A thoracic nerve block involves placing local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with steroid medication, around the affected nerve to calm inflammation and interrupt pain signals.
In selected cases PRP therapy may also be considered. PRP uses concentrated platelets derived from your own blood and may help support tissue healing and reduce nerve sensitivity. Both approaches may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Who this treatment helps
Thoracic nerve block or PRP may be considered for people with:
- Mid back pain radiating around the ribs
- Burning, tingling, or nerve related discomfort
- Pain aggravated by twisting, deep breathing, or certain movements
- Thoracic nerve irritation following injury or strain
- Persistent symptoms despite physiotherapy or medication
- Pain suspected to originate from intercostal or thoracic nerve pathways
A consultation is required to confirm suitability and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
What is a thoracic nerve block
A thoracic nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers local anaesthetic, and sometimes steroid medication, around the irritated thoracic nerve. The aim is to reduce inflammation and temporarily interrupt pain signals.
If the nerve block provides meaningful relief it can also confirm that the targeted nerve is contributing to symptoms.
PRP therapy may be used as an alternative or complementary treatment. This involves drawing a small sample of your blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and injecting the PRP near the affected nerve. Platelets contain growth factors that may support tissue healing in selected cases.
Ultrasound or fluoroscopy using X ray guidance may be used to improve accuracy and safety.
What to expect during the procedure
- Your consultant reviews the treatment plan and answers any questions
- You lie comfortably on the procedure table
- The skin over the treatment area is cleaned and numbed
- Using imaging guidance, a fine needle is positioned near the affected nerve
- For nerve block, local anaesthetic with or without steroid is injected
- For PRP treatment, a blood sample is taken, processed, and injected near the nerve
- You are monitored briefly before going home the same day
The procedure usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
After the procedure
- Temporary numbness or warmth in the mid back or chest wall may occur
- Mild soreness at the injection site may last for one or two days
- Nerve block relief may occur quickly due to local anaesthetic
- Steroid effects develop gradually over several days
- PRP may take several weeks to show benefit
- Most people return to normal activities the following day while avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours
Your consultant may recommend physiotherapy or posture based rehabilitation to support longer term improvement.
Benefits
- May reduce mid back and rib related pain
- Can help confirm whether a specific nerve is contributing to symptoms
- May improve movement and breathing comfort
- Minimally invasive with a short recovery period
- PRP may support tissue healing in selected cases
- Can support rehabilitation and posture correction
Possible risks and side effects
Thoracic nerve block and PRP procedures are generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians, but some risks may occur.
- Temporary soreness or bruising
- Mild swelling at the injection site
- Light headedness
- Temporary increase in pain
- Infection, which is rare
- Bleeding, uncommon
- Very rare nerve irritation
Your consultant will discuss individual risks and suitability during assessment.
When to consider other options
If symptoms persist or the response is limited, your consultant may discuss thoracic epidural injection, thoracic facet block and ablation, trigger point injection for muscular tension, physiotherapy, posture focused rehabilitation, medication review, or combined approaches for complex thoracic pain.
Safety note
Please inform your consultant if you take blood thinning medication, have allergies, diabetes, active infection, are pregnant, or have had previous reactions to steroid, PRP, or local anaesthetic. Depending on the medications used you may need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Arrange a consultation to discuss whether thoracic nerve block or PRP may be appropriate for your symptoms.
You can also explore our dorsal pain treatments, view all pain treatments, or learn more about our pain management services.