A suprascapular nerve block is a procedure used to help reduce shoulder pain, especially when dealing with conditions like frozen shoulder, arthritis, or rotator cuff injuries. It is also used to diagnose pain generation. The process involves injecting a medication, usually a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid or local anesthetic alone, around the suprascapular nerve. This nerve is important because it helps control movement and feeling in the shoulder.

During the procedure, you’ll be seated or lying down comfortably with your arm resting at your side. The doctor might use an ultrasound, xrays or anatomical landmarks to guide the injection. By numbing the nerve, this block can help confirm whether the suprascapular nerve is the cause of your pain and also provide relief to improve shoulder movement.

There are some alternatives to this procedure, such as physical therapy, which can strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility, or medications taken by mouth that can reduce inflammation. In some cases, other procedures like nerve stimulation or surgery might be considered if pain persists.

Like any procedure, there are risks involved. You might experience some bruising, temporary pain, or stiffness after the injection. Serious complications are rare, but may include nerve damage or, very rarely, air leaking into the chest cavity. Before the procedure, your provider will ask about any bleeding disorders or allergies to make sure it's safe for you.

After the procedure, you may feel immediate relief for a few hours, but the full effect of the steroid may take a few days to be felt. Most people notice significant pain relief and better shoulder movement within one to two weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We want to ensure you're as comfortable and informed as possible.