A suprascapular nerve block is a medical procedure involving an injection near the suprascapular nerve, located in the shoulder region. This nerve transmits pain signals from the shoulder, and blocking it aims to reduce the sensation of pain. The general purpose of this procedure is to provide pain relief, typically for various shoulder conditions.
How Long It Provides Relief
Pain relief from a suprascapular nerve block varies significantly, from hours to several weeks or even months. This depends on the specific medications and individual body response.
Local anesthetics provide immediate pain relief or numbness. This initial effect lasts a few hours, typically 4 to 18 hours, depending on the anesthetic type.
Corticosteroids, when included, provide longer-lasting relief by reducing inflammation. Their anti-inflammatory effects begin gradually, taking 2 to 7 days to become noticeable, with maximum benefits appearing after a week. Relief can then extend for weeks to months, sometimes up to six months. The underlying condition’s severity and precision of needle placement also influence the block’s duration and effectiveness.
Why This Block Is Used
A suprascapular nerve block is commonly used to alleviate pain from various shoulder conditions. It is administered for pain associated with rotator cuff injuries, including tears and tendinopathy. The block also treats frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, a condition characterized by stiffness and reduced range of motion. Patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint may also find relief.
Beyond these specific conditions, the block manages chronic shoulder pain resulting from various causes, such as overuse or trauma. It is also used to manage acute pain following shoulder surgery. This block is considered when conservative treatments, such as oral medications or physical therapy, have not provided sufficient pain relief. It can also serve as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the exact source of shoulder pain.
What to Expect Post-Procedure
Immediately following a suprascapular nerve block, patients may experience numbness and temporary weakness in the shoulder or arm. This is an expected effect of the local anesthetic and subsides within a few hours. Resting the treated area and avoiding strenuous activities for about 24 hours after the procedure is recommended.
While immediate pain relief comes from the local anesthetic, longer-term benefits from any corticosteroid develop gradually. It can take two to seven days for the steroid to begin its anti-inflammatory action, with the full effect noticeable after a week. Common, mild side effects include localized soreness or bruising at the injection site. Some individuals might experience a temporary increase in pain for a few days, or up to two weeks, before improvement. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience severe pain, signs of infection like redness, increased tenderness, or discharge, persistent weakness, or severe difficulty breathing, which could indicate a rare complication like pneumothorax.
Managing Persistent Pain
A suprascapular nerve block is one component of a broader strategy for managing shoulder pain. If pain returns after the block’s effects diminish, or if the initial block did not provide sufficient relief, options are available for continued care. The procedure can be repeated, after a recommended interval, to extend pain control.
Physical therapy plays an important role in long-term recovery and can be combined with the nerve block. The pain relief provided by the block enables patients to participate more actively in physical therapy exercises, which helps restore strength and mobility. Other interventions, such as oral medications or different types of injections, may also be considered to manage ongoing discomfort. In situations where pain persists despite these measures, a healthcare provider might evaluate the need for surgical intervention.