What Is the Shoulder Joint?

The shoulder joint is formed by the connection between the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). Pain in this area is often caused by injury, inflammation, or degeneration of the joint.

When the shoulder joint is numbed or anesthetized, it temporarily blocks pain signals from traveling to the brain. This procedure serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes—it helps determine whether the shoulder joint is the true source of pain while also providing relief.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Depending on the imaging method used, the patient either lies on their back or sits upright in a chair. The skin over the shoulder is carefully cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and a sterile field is created. A small amount of local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin.

Using fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is gently advanced into the targeted shoulder joint. A small amount of contrast dye may be injected to confirm accurate needle placement. Once confirmed, a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is administered into the joint.

The entire injection procedure typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

How Long Does the Pain Relief Last?

The numbing effect from the local anesthetic usually lasts only a few hours. The steroid medication takes longer to work—typically 3 to 10 days—but can provide pain relief that lasts for several weeks to months, depending on the patient’s condition and response.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

Serious complications are rare, but mild discomfort is possible. The most common side effect is temporary soreness or increased pain at the injection site for a few days.

Other potential but uncommon complications include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve injury

These risks are minimized by maintaining sterile technique and using image guidance during the procedure.

Some patients may temporarily experience facial flushing, mild headaches, elevated blood pressure, or increased blood sugar levels due to the steroid. These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few days.