Suprascapular nerve block under ultrasound guidance for rotator cuff and shoulder pain

Our shoulders and scapula are involved in just about any movement we make with our upper torso. Commonly known as ‘shoulder blades’, our scapula serves as a support for the back muscles. An indentation known as the suprascapular notch can be found in the upper outer corner of these bony plates. Through this area runs the suprascapular nerve, which sends the pain signal from the shoulder joint. A suprascapular nerve block is used to address pain emanating from this area when other techniques have failed. Pain Management Services provides this treatment for patients suffering from pain in the shoulders and scapula area.

When Using Suprascapular Nerve Blocks Can Help

Conditions that can be treated using a suprascapular nerve block include:

• Acute pain emergencies
• Postoperative pain
• Injury sourced pain in the shoulder joint and girdle
• Chronic shoulder pain
• Adhesive capsulitis
• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint
• Failed shoulder replacement
• Rotator cuff injury and pain

The first step in this treatment is an explanation of the procedure and its risks. Following this consultation, you’ll receive an informed consent paper to give permission for the procedure. Following this step, the area to be treated will be washed and sanitized to prevent infection. Dr. Cajigal will use ultrasound guidance to identify the location of the suprascapular nerve near the suprascapular notch of your shoulder blade. Once the correct area is identified, the skin will be numbed to reduce the discomfort with the injection. A needle will then be inserted under ultrasound guidance to administer a combination of local anesthetic and steroid.

The entire procedure most often takes no more than a couple of minutes. Once the injection has been completed, a band-aid will be placed over the injection site. While generally safe, all medical procedures have some risk of complication. 

Complications associated with this procedure include:

• Infection
• Local anesthetic toxicity
• Intravascular injection (injection into the bloodstream)
• Reactions to the corticosteroid
• Bruising
• Sweats
• Flushing

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, follow up with Dr. Cajigal in Des Peres, MO.

Contact Pain Management Services For Chronic Pain Relief

Chronic pain can be a life-altering experience. It often limits our ability to engage in day-to-day activities and can impact our ability to share experiences with our loved ones. Pain Management Services works closely with patients in multiple locations to deliver effective relief from chronic pain. Contact our offices to schedule an assessment of your chronic pain symptoms. Following the assessment, you’ll receive a consultation covering effective treatment options for your condition. Necessary tests will be scheduled, and a treatment plan developed to set you on the path to relief from chronic pain.