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Brachial Plexus Block
If you're living with persistent pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm, shoulder, or hand, a brachial plexus block may offer meaningful, targeted relief. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from your spine through your neck and into your shoulder and arm, controlling sensation and movement throughout the entire upper extremity.
What is a Brachial Plexus Block?
If you're living with persistent pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm, shoulder, or hand, a brachial plexus block may offer meaningful, targeted relief. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from your spine through your neck and into your shoulder and arm, controlling sensation and movement throughout the entire upper extremity. At River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, we use image-guided techniques to deliver precise anesthetic and/or steroid medication directly to this nerve network — interrupting pain signals at their source so you can get back to the activities that matter most.
What To Expect
The procedure is performed right here in our Shreveport office or at Park Plaza Surgical Specialists and typically takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Here's what the process looks like:
✔️ You'll be positioned comfortably and the area will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
✔️ Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, Dr. Brewer will precisely locate the brachial plexus nerve bundle.
✔️ A thin needle is carefully advanced to the target area, and medication is injected around the nerves.
✔️ You'll remain in our recovery area briefly so our team can monitor you before you're cleared to head home.
✔️ Most patients experience warmth, heaviness, or temporary numbness in the arm shortly after the injection — this is normal and confirms the block is working.
Results and Recovery
Recovery from a brachial plexus block is minimal. Most patients return home the same day and can resume light daily activities within 24 hours. If a local anesthetic was used, temporary arm weakness or numbness may last several hours — during this time, you should avoid driving and operating machinery. If a steroid component was included, maximum anti-inflammatory benefit typically develops over 3–7 days. We recommend a follow-up appointment to assess your response and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
A brachial plexus block is an excellent option for patients experiencing:
✔️ Chronic shoulder, arm, elbow, or hand pain that hasn't responded to oral medications
✔️ Pain following surgery or injury to the shoulder or upper extremity
✔️ Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affecting the arm or handing
✔️ Muscle spasms or stiffness limiting arm and shoulder function
✔️ Pain from thoracic outlet syndrome or nerve compression in the neck and shoulder region
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure. We apply local anesthetic to numb the skin first, and our image-guided approach means the needle placement is highly accurate, reducing the time needed in any one area.
This varies by patient and the medication used. Local anesthetic blocks provide short-term relief lasting hours to a day, while steroid injections can provide relief lasting weeks to several months. Many patients use this procedure as part of a broader treatment plan.
Yes. Because the block may temporarily affect arm strength and sensation, you will need a driver for your appointment. Plan to arrange a ride in advance.
Many patients benefit from a series of injections spaced several weeks apart. Your treatment plan will be individualized based on your diagnosis and how well you respond to the first block.
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