Suprascapular nerve block for shoulder arthritis: A treatment for chronic shoulder pain

Suprascapular nerve blocks are a minimally invasive treatment for shoulder arthritis and chronic shoulder pain. Learn how this injection can reduce pain and improve movement.

Shoulder arthritis is a common cause of persistent shoulder pain, stiffness and difficulty with everyday activities. Tasks such as dressing, reaching overhead or sleeping comfortably can become increasingly difficult when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed or worn.

For people living with chronic shoulder pain caused by arthritis, one treatment option that may provide relief is a suprascapular nerve block.

This minimally invasive procedure can help reduce pain by targeting one of the main nerves that carries pain signals from the shoulder joint.

What Is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis (also known as glenohumeral osteoarthritis) occurs when the cartilage that normally cushions the shoulder joint gradually wears down.

This can lead to:

• Persistent shoulder pain

• Joint stiffness

• Reduced range of movement

• Grinding or clicking sensations

• Difficulty lifting the arm

• Pain when lying on the affected side

Shoulder arthritis often develops with age, previous injuries, or long-standing joint wear and tear.

While physiotherapy, medication, and steroid injections can help many people, some patients continue to experience significant pain.

What Is a Suprascapular Nerve Block?

A suprascapular nerve block is a targeted injection used to treat chronic shoulder pain.

The suprascapular nerve carries many of the pain signals from the shoulder joint to the brain. By placing medication around this nerve, it is possible to reduce the pain coming from the shoulder.

The injection usually contains:

• Local anaesthetic – to temporarily numb the nerve

• Steroid medication – to reduce inflammation and prolong pain relief

This treatment can provide weeks or months of reduced shoulder pain, helping people move more comfortably.

Where Is the Suprascapular Nerve?

The suprascapular nerve runs across the back of the shoulder blade and provides sensation to much of the shoulder joint.

Because this nerve carries a large proportion of the shoulder’s pain signals, blocking it can significantly reduce pain coming from:

• Shoulder arthritis

• Rotator cuff disease

• Frozen shoulder

• Persistent shoulder pain after surgery

How Is a Suprascapular Nerve Block Performed?

A suprascapular nerve block can be performed with or without ultrasound guidance.

The procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes.

During the procedure:

1. You sit or lie comfortably.

2. The skin over the back of the shoulder is cleaned.

3. Ultrasound may be used to locate the suprascapular nerve.

4. A small amount of local anaesthetic numbs the skin.

5. A fine needle is guided towards the nerve.

6. Medication is injected around the nerve.

Most patients are able to return home shortly afterwards.

How effective Is a suprascapular nerve block?

Many patients experience:

• Reduced shoulder pain

• Improved range of movement

• Better sleep

• Greater ability to participate in physiotherapy

Pain relief may last several weeks to several months, although this varies between individuals.

For some people, the reduction in pain allows them to strengthen the shoulder and improve function, which can lead to longer-term improvements.

Who might benefit from this treatment?

A suprascapular nerve block may be helpful for people with:

• Shoulder arthritis

• Chronic shoulder pain

• Rotator cuff disease

• Frozen shoulder

• Persistent pain following shoulder surgery

It can also be useful for people who are not suitable for shoulder replacement surgery or who wish to avoid stronger pain medications.

Are there any risks?

Suprascapular nerve blocks are commonly performed and generally very safe when carried out by experienced clinicians.

Possible risks include:

• Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site

• Temporary numbness around the shoulder

• Infection (very rare)

• Bleeding (rare)

Your clinician will discuss the risks and benefits with you before treatment.

A holistic approach to shoulder pain

At Wye Sanctuary Pain Clinic, injections such as suprascapular nerve blocks are considered part of a broader approach to managing chronic pain.

Treatment plans may include:

• Education about chronic pain

• Physiotherapy and strengthening exercises

• Medication optimisation

• Lifestyle and movement strategies

• Support with sleep and wellbeing

The goal is not only to reduce pain but to help people restore movement, confidence, and quality of life.

Seeking specialist advice for shoulder pain

If you are living with persistent shoulder pain or shoulder arthritis, a specialist pain assessment can help explore the possible causes and treatment options available.

At Wye Sanctuary Pain Clinic, we offer assessment and treatment for people living with chronic shoulder pain across the UK, including virtual consultations.

Learn more or book an appointment at:

www.wyesanctuary.com