Suprascapular Nerve Block
Whether it’s due to age, arm injury, or medical condition, your shoulder can stiffen and ache to the point that it feels painful to move. People suffering from a “frozen shoulder” can get a suprascapular nerve block.
What is Suprascapular Nerve Block?
A suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) is a pain relief procedure that targets shoulder nerves. An anesthetic is injected into the top of the affected shoulder. SSNB effectively treats various types of shoulder pain.
Who is a candidate for Suprascapular Nerve Block?
SSNB can reduce pain and increase shoulder mobility for the following conditions:
- Adhesive capsulitis — Medical term for “frozen shoulder” where the shoulder stiffens and is too painful to move
- Rotator cuff tear — When shoulder muscles and tendons suffer a tear from a single injury or through degeneration from repeated overhead movements
- Calcific tendinitis — When calcium builds up in the shoulder, limiting movement and causing pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis — Most common autoimmune arthritis that causes joint pain, including the shoulder
- Post-surgery shoulder pain — Rehabilitation following shoulder surgery can be painful
- Post-stroke shoulder pain — People who’ve had strokes can experience shoulder pain
How is Suprascapular Nerve Block Performed?
SSNB can be performed in two ways: Blind and ultrasound-guided.
For blind SSNB, the doctor uses anatomical landmarks to mark where suprascapular nerve is located in your shoulder. The anesthetic is then injected with a needle into this location.
For ultrasound-guided SSNB, the doctor uses an ultrasound device placed on your affected shoulder to locate the suprascapular nerve. The anesthetic is then injected with a needle into this location.
Is Suprascapular Nerve Block right for you?
If a frozen shoulder is affecting your mobility and causing too much pain, SSNB may be for you. Talk to our expert pain management doctor at Torrance Pain institute for a suprascapular nerve block in Torrance.