What is a Shoulder Nerve Block?

A shoulder nerve block is an injection procedure used to relieve chronic shoulder pain by
targeting the nerves that transmit pain from the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.
This typically includes the suprascapular (and sometimes axillary, and lateral pectoral)
nerves. The procedure involves injecting local anaesthetic, often combined with steroid,
around these nerves to reduce pain and inflammation.

What conditions do we offer this for?

We may offer this procedure for patients with:

  • Chronic shoulder pain from arthritis, rotator cuff disease, or frozen shoulder
  • Post-operative shoulder pain (e.g. after rotator cuff repair or shoulder replacement)
  • Shoulder impingement or bursitis not responding to conservative treatments
  • Neuropathic or mixed pain in the shoulder region

Why is it done?

This procedure is performed to:

  • Provide targeted relief from shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Reduce the need for oral medications
  • Improve range of motion and shoulder function
  • Enable or enhance participation in physiotherapy
  • Support recovery following shoulder injury or surgery


It may also be used as a diagnostic tool to confirm the source of shoulder pain.

What does the procedure involve?

  • You will be seated or lie on your side with your shoulder exposed.
  • The skin will be cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
  • Using ultrasound guidance, the clinician identifies the suprascapular, axillary, and lateral pectoral nerves.
  • A small needle is used to inject local anaesthetic and possibly steroid near each target nerve.
  • The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes and is done as a day case.

Benefits

  • Effective pain relief in the shoulder region
  • Reduced reliance on oral medications (e.g. opioids, anti-inflammatories)
  • Improved mobility, strength, and comfort
  • May delay or reduce the need for surgical intervention
  • Enhances the ability to engage in rehabilitation exercises

Side Effects

Very Common side effects

(may affect more than 1in 10 patients):
  • Pain or bruising at the injection site
  • Temporary numbness or weakness in the shoulder or arm
  • Temporary increase in pain before improvement

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1in 10 patients):
  • Localised swelling or discomfort
  • Mild dizziness or light-headedness

 Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 1,00 patients):
  • Temporary difficulty lifting or using the arm
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Puncture of the lung (pneumothorax) - rare, but possible due to the proximity of the lungs to some injection sites

Rare side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients):
  • Nerve injury or prolonged numbness
  • Allergic reaction to anaesthetic or steroid
  • Bleeding or haematoma formation

Aftercare Advice

  • You will be observed briefly after the procedure and can usually go home the same day.
  • Avoid driving for 24 hours.
  • Temporary shoulder weakness or numbness may last a few hours.
  • Resume daily activities gradually; avoid strenuous arm movements for 24–48 hours.
  • Physiotherapy or home exercises are often recommended to maintain shoulder mobility.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Please attend A&E immediately if you experience:
• Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, or dry cough
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection at the injection site
• Persistent or worsening arm numbness or weakness