Suprascapular Nerve Block

- Find a Doctor
  
  Physician Finder
  Find a Deaconess Clinic Doctor
  Primary Care for Seniors
  
  Deaconess Urgent Care
  Deaconess Family Medicine Center
  Deaconess Hospitalists
  DHP Provider Directory
- Hospitals
  Deaconess Hospital
  Deaconcess Gateway Hospital
  The Women's Hospital
  The Heart Hospital
  Deaconess Cross Pointe
  HealthSouth Deaconess
  
  Primary Care Locations
  Deaconess Clinic
  Deaconcess Primary Care of Seniors
  Deaconess Urgent Care Center
  
  Other Sites of Care
  Chancellor Center for Oncology
  Deaconess Breast Center
  Deaconess Home Services
  Deaconess Hospice Care
  Deaconess Riley Children's Services
  Deaconess Diabetes Center
  Deaconess Sleep Center
  Deaconess Pain Management
  Deaconess Weight Loss Solutions
  Deaconess Wound Care
  Deaconess Regional Laboratory
  Evansville Surgery Center
  Deaconess Health Plans

Find Health Information

You are here : Home : welcome to deaconess hospital : Our Services : Related Services : Pain Management Center : Clinic Services : Suprascapular Nerve Block

suprascapular nerve block

Pain Management Center
600 Mary Street
Evansville, IN 47747
812/450-4800

Pain Management Center
4099 Gateway Blvd.
Newburgh, IN 47630
812/842-2720
812/842-2737

What is the suprascapular nerve?
What is the purpose of the injection?
What is injected?
Does the procedure hurt?
What are the risks and side effects?
What should I expect after the injection?
What should I do to prepare for the procedure?
What should I expect the day of the procedure?

If You Experience a Problem . .
Contact us during office hours Monday through Friday. If you have an immediate need outside of regular office hours, you may use the Emergency Department at Deaconess Hospital or Deaconess Gateway Hospital.

What is the suprascapular nerve?

A suprascapular nerve is the major sensory supply to the shoulder joint and motor supply to the Supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles.

What is the purpose of the injection?

This injection is used to treat arthritis or bursitis of the shoulder joint. This is done for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. Diagnostically, the block is used to confirm suprascapular nerve irritation or entrapment.

What is injected?

This injection consists of a local anesthetic and steroid.

Does the procedure hurt?

The procedure is done with x-ray guidance and involves inserting a needle through skin and deeper tissues. There is some discomfort involved. However, the skin and deeper tissues are numbed with a local anesthetic. Most of the patients also receive intravenous sedation which makes the procedure easy to tolerate.

What are the risks and side effects?

With any procedure there are risks, side effects and possibility of complications. Risks include pneumothorax (lung puncture) or nerve injury.

What should I expect after the injection?

After the injection, your pain will be decreased which is a result of the local anesthetic.

What should I do to prepare for the procedure?

1. You must have someone with you. You will not be allowed to drive home.
2. You may take routine medications including pain medicine.
3. A light meal is acceptable unless otherwise directed.

What should I expect the day of the procedure?

1. Your medical history will be reviewed.
2. An IV will be started, and you may be given some relaxing medication.
3. You will be monitored during and for a minimum of 30 minutes after the procedure.

If you get temporary relief from this procedure, then you may be a candidate for radio frequency lesioning of the suprascapular nerve. This procedure gives longer lasting relief.