The suprascapular nerve is found in your shoulder, acting as the main nerve for the muscles associated with the scapula, or shoulder blade. When this nerve becomes inflamed or damaged, it may cause pain that radiates throughout the shoulder. A nerve block or ablation may be the right way to deter this pain.
When a nerve block is performed, your physician will inject a steroid via a small needle into your shoulder, targeting the suprascapular nerve. The steroid will bathe the nerve, numbing it and suppressing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Your physician will determine whether you’re a candidate for a nerve ablation, which may provide longer-term relief from your pain. An ablation is similar to a nerve block, though it uses heat or radiofrequency to safely destroy a part of the nerve tissue.
