INTENDED BENEFITS

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A suprascapular nerve block is intended to relieve chronic shoulder pain. Although the duration of this pain relief is difficult to predict, many patients find that the injections last for some months. If they are effective then they can be repeated.  There is always the chance that although the injections are performed correctly, they are ineffective in treating symptoms. Sometimes, the suprascapular nerve block will give good pain relief, but the relief will be short-lived. If this is the case, you may be offered a follow-up treatment, where the nerve is disabled for a longer period of time by the use of radiofrequency microwave heating of the nerve via the injection needle. 

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RISKS

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We perform many hundreds of injections each year with no complications. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks that we will discuss with you. Specifically, we will mention:

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• a risk that the treatment will not work for you

• bruising

• infection

• a suprascapular nerve block can cause temporary weakness of the arm or shoulder, particularly the movement of rotating the upper arm outwards. If you have a radiofrequency treatment to the nerve then this weakness can be permanent. In practice this is rarely a significant problem, as usually it is performed when pain in the shoulder is preventing shoulder movement in any case.

• if you are a female patient, you may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding following a steroid injection anywhere in the body.

• very rarely, steroids used by any route (eg by mouth, inhaled, injected) can cause visual problems. If you have any visual disturbance following a steroid injection, you will need to be seen by an eye specialist to rule out any serious cause.

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BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT​

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Depending on how you are referred to us, we may see you for a consultation beforehand, although on some occasions we will meet you on the day, prior to the injection, to discuss the treatment with you and go through the consent process.  Although we can perform this injection when you are taking blood thinning medications, it is always important for us to know that you are on these treatments, so please inform your Bath Pain management Consultant when you are discussing your symptoms, or let our administrative staff know prior to your appointment.

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ON THE DAY OF YOUR TREATMENT

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You will be asked to attend the hospital a little while before your injection so that you can discuss the treatment with your Bath Pain Management consultant. The risks and benefits of the injection will be explained clearly to you. 

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT

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There will usually be a nurse present to support you during the injection.  The injection is usually performed with you sitting on the edge of a bed. It is carried out under local anaesthetic, and although it can be a little uncomfortable when the injection is performed, any discomfort is usually very brief.  An ultrasound machine will be used to help identify the nerve. 

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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT

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After the treatment you will be asked to stay in the hospital a short period of time. This is to ensure that if you have a reaction to the medication, you are a place where we can look after you.  After this you will be able to go home.  As with many steroid-based injections, it may take up to ten days for the full effects to become evident. We may ask you to fill in a pain diary in the hours and days after the injection to help determine its effectiveness. 

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FOLLOW UP ARRANGEMENTS

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If you are a private patient you will receive a telephone call to check on your progress within three to four weeks. Please note that we are unable to leave answerphone messages for confidentiality reasons, unless your answerphone clearly states that you are the owner and we have your permission. You may be invited back for, or request a follow-up consultation to go through other non-injection treatment options. 

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We see a small number of patients through the NHS Choose and Book system. Generally follow-up would be provided by your GP, but we are obviously always happy to deal with any concerns you may have after your treatment.