Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Suprascapular Nerve Block
1746871134
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.
FAQs
Are there alternatives to a suprascapular nerve block for managing shoulder pain?
Yes, there are alternatives including physical therapy, which can strengthen shoulder muscles and improve flexibility, oral medications to reduce inflammation, or other procedures such as nerve stimulation or surgery if conservative measures don't provide sufficient relief.
How is the suprascapular nerve block procedure carried out?
During the procedure, you will be either seated or lying comfortably with your arm at your side. The doctor may use ultrasound, x-rays, or anatomical landmarks to guide the injection precisely to the area around the suprascapular nerve. This helps ensure effective numbing of the nerve and pain relief.
What are the potential risks or side effects of a suprascapular nerve block?
Common side effects may include bruising, temporary increase in pain, or shoulder stiffness. Serious complications are rare, but can include nerve damage or, in very rare cases, pneumothorax. It's essential to discuss any bleeding disorders or allergies with your healthcare provider beforehand to ensure the procedure is safe for you.
What is a suprascapular nerve block and why is it performed?
A suprascapular nerve block is a procedure involving the injection of a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid around the suprascapular nerve to help alleviate shoulder pain. It's performed both for diagnostic reasons, to confirm if the nerve is causing the pain, and therapeutic reasons, to provide pain relief and improve shoulder mobility, especially in conditions such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, or arthritis.
What should I expect in terms of recovery after a suprascapular nerve block?
After the procedure, initial relief may occur within a few hours due to the local anesthetic, while the full benefits of the steroid may take a few days to be felt. Most patients report significant pain relief and improved shoulder movement within one to two weeks.