Comparison of efficacy of suprascapular nerve block using local anaesthetic and two different doses of steroid in cervical radicular pain.

Background and aims: Neck pain resulting from various cervical spine disorders ranks second among the leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders. This prospective study was conducted to compare the efficacy of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) using a local anaesthetic and two different doses of dexamethasone in patients with cervical radicular pain.

Material and methods: Forty participants were randomised into Group I (n = 20), in which patients received a SSNB with 6 ml of a drug solution comprising 0.25% bupivacaine (4 ml) and 8 mg of dexamethasone (2 ml), and Group II (n = 20), in which patients received SSNB with 6 ml of a drug solution comprising 0.25% bupivacaine (4 ml), 4 mg of dexamethasone (1 ml), and normal saline (1 ml). Patients were followed for a period of six months. The numeric rating scale (NRS), patient global impression of change (PGIC), need for repeat injections, and side effects were compared between the two groups.

Results: NRS and PGIC scores were found to be comparable between the two groups at all time intervals (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference amongst the two groups in terms of the number of repeat injections (P > 0.05). None of the patients reported any serious side effects.

Conclusions: A SSNB with a local anaesthetic and either 8 mg or 4 mg of dexamethasone is an equally effective technique for managing patients with cervical radicular pain. Hence, a SSNB with 4 mg of dexamethasone can be utilised to reduce the steroid dose without compromising the efficacy and safety of the treatment in patients with cervical radicular pain.