Brachial Plexus Block: Targeted Nerve Block for Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Pain

A brachial plexus block is an image-guided injection placed near the network of nerves that supplies the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. This nerve network is called the brachial plexus.

In anesthesia, brachial plexus blocks are often used for surgical anesthesia or postoperative pain control. In pain medicine, the same nerve map can be useful in selected patients with severe upper-extremity pain, post-surgical arm pain, traumatic nerve pain, complex regional pain patterns, or when a diagnostic nerve block may help clarify where pain is coming from.

At SpinePain Solutions, a brachial plexus block is not treated as a generic injection for all arm pain. The key question is more precise: is the pain being carried through the brachial plexus or one of its downstream upper-extremity nerve pathways?

This matters because arm and hand symptoms can come from many sources. Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness may come from the neck, spinal cord, nerve roots, brachial plexus, shoulder joint, peripheral nerves, carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, vascular disease, or a local injury.

A brachial plexus block may be diagnostic, therapeutic, or both. If numbing part of the brachial plexus temporarily improves the familiar pain, the response may help confirm that the upper-extremity nerve pathway is involved. If pain relief allows better movement, sleep, hand use, or therapy participation, the block may also have therapeutic value.

Important: Arm Pain Is Not Always a Brachial Plexus Problem

Arm, shoulder, wrist, or hand symptoms can come from the cervical spine, shoulder joint, elbow, wrist, peripheral nerve entrapment, vascular disease, inflammatory disease, trauma, or the brachial plexus itself.

A brachial plexus block is most appropriate when the pain pattern, examination, imaging, nerve testing, or treatment plan suggests that the upper-extremity nerve network is a meaningful part of the pain pathway.

Quick Answer: What Is a Brachial Plexus Block?

It is an injection near the nerve network of the upper extremity. The brachial plexus supplies much of the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand.
It may help selected upper-extremity pain patterns. This can include post-surgical pain, trauma-related pain, neuropathic arm pain, and selected complex regional pain patterns.
It can be diagnostic. Temporary relief may help confirm that the brachial plexus or downstream nerve pathway is involved.
It can be therapeutic. Pain reduction may improve sleep, movement, therapy tolerance, or limb use.
The approach depends on the pain location. Shoulder pain, upper arm pain, forearm pain, wrist pain, and hand pain may require different block targets.
Ultrasound guidance is commonly important. The brachial plexus lies near blood vessels, lung structures, muscles, and other important anatomy.
It is different from a cervical epidural, stellate ganglion block, or suprascapular nerve block. Each targets a different pain pathway.

What Is the Brachial Plexus?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that begins in the neck and travels toward the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. It forms from cervical and upper thoracic nerve roots and then divides into trunks, divisions, cords, and terminal branches.

Major nerves that come from the brachial plexus include:

Median nerve
Ulnar nerve
Radial nerve
Musculocutaneous nerve
Axillary nerve

These nerves help control sensation and movement in the upper extremity. Because the brachial plexus contains both sensory and motor fibers, a block may temporarily cause numbness, heaviness, weakness, warmth, or altered feeling in part of the arm or hand.

This is why careful patient selection matters. The goal is not to make the whole arm numb without a reason. The goal is to test or treat a specific upper-extremity pain pathway.

The Brachial Plexus Is a Nerve Highway

Pain may enter the upper-extremity nerve system at the neck, shoulder, plexus, elbow, wrist, or hand. A brachial plexus block makes sense only when the map points to that highway.

Types of Brachial Plexus Blocks

Brachial plexus blocks are not all the same. The best approach depends on the region being treated, the suspected pain pathway, patient anatomy, medical risks, and the purpose of the block.

Approach	Common Region Covered	Important Considerations
Interscalene Block	Shoulder and upper arm region	Useful for shoulder-region pain pathways, but may affect the phrenic nerve and breathing mechanics.
Superior Trunk Block	Shoulder and proximal upper arm region	May be considered as a more selective shoulder-region approach in some settings.
Supraclavicular Block	Arm, forearm, wrist, and hand in many cases	Powerful upper-extremity block, but anatomy is close to the lung and subclavian vessels.
Infraclavicular Block	Arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand	Targets cords around the axillary artery and may be useful for distal upper-extremity coverage.
Axillary Block	Forearm, wrist, and hand	More distal approach, often away from lung structures, but may require separate attention to individual nerves.

For chronic pain, the block should be chosen based on the pain region and the diagnostic question. Shoulder pain, hand pain, and whole-arm pain do not all require the same approach.

What Conditions May Benefit From a Brachial Plexus Block?

A brachial plexus block may be considered when the pain pattern suggests upper-extremity nerve involvement and when the result would help guide treatment.

Possible situations include:

Severe arm or hand pain after trauma
Post-surgical upper-extremity nerve pain
Selected complex regional pain patterns involving the arm or hand
Severe neuropathic arm pain when diagnosis remains unclear
Pain that limits therapy, movement, desensitization, or limb use
Diagnostic evaluation when symptoms may involve the brachial plexus or downstream nerves
Selected shoulder-region pain when a broader plexus-level block is appropriate
Selected procedural pain control or peri-procedural analgesia when medically appropriate

A brachial plexus block is not the first answer for every patient with neck and arm pain. If symptoms clearly arise from cervical radiculopathy, a cervical spine-directed approach may be more appropriate. If symptoms are isolated to carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel, a more targeted peripheral nerve evaluation may be better.

Brachial Plexus Block vs. Other Nerve Blocks

Patients often hear several procedure names that sound similar. The differences matter.

Procedure	Main Target	Typical Question It Answers
Brachial Plexus Block	Upper-extremity nerve network	Is the arm, forearm, wrist, or hand pain traveling through the brachial plexus pathway?
Cervical Epidural Injection	Cervical nerve roots or epidural space	Is the arm pain coming from a pinched or inflamed nerve root in the neck?
Stellate Ganglion Block	Sympathetic nerves in the neck	Is the sympathetic nervous system maintaining upper-extremity pain, temperature, color, or sweating changes?
Suprascapular Nerve Block	Major shoulder sensory nerve	Is the suprascapular nerve carrying a major part of shoulder joint pain?
Carpal Tunnel Injection	Median nerve at the wrist	Is median nerve compression at the wrist causing hand numbness or tingling?

The Block Helps Answer a Question

The key question is not simply “Does the arm hurt?” The better question is: “Which nerve pathway is carrying the pain, and will blocking that pathway change the plan?”

Who May Benefit From a Brachial Plexus Block?

A brachial plexus block may be reasonable when the symptoms suggest upper-extremity nerve pathway involvement and when the result would help guide treatment.

Patients Who May Be Better Candidates

Patients with severe shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, or hand pain where an upper-extremity nerve pathway is suspected
Patients with post-traumatic or post-surgical upper-extremity nerve pain
Patients with selected complex regional pain patterns where analgesia may help therapy participation
Patients with pain limiting hand therapy, occupational therapy, desensitization, or range of motion work
Patients whose symptoms do not fully match cervical MRI findings
Patients who need diagnostic clarification between plexus-level pain and more distal nerve pain
Patients being evaluated for longer-term nerve-focused treatment

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?

A brachial plexus block may not be appropriate when another diagnosis clearly explains the symptoms, when there is urgent neurologic decline, or when the risks outweigh the expected benefit.

Patients Who May Not Be Good Candidates

Patients with cervical spinal cord compression or myelopathy symptoms needing urgent evaluation
Patients with progressive arm or hand weakness that requires neurologic or surgical workup
Patients with isolated carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel symptoms better treated with targeted distal evaluation
Patients with active infection near the injection site
Patients with uncontrolled bleeding risk or unsafe anticoagulation status
Patients with severe lung disease when a higher plexus block could affect breathing mechanics
Patients with widespread pain where one block is unlikely to answer the main question
Patients expecting one injection to permanently cure all arm or hand pain

Arm and Hand Pain Red Flags Need Prompt Evaluation

New or progressive arm or hand weakness
Loss of hand function or rapidly worsening numbness
Symptoms of cervical myelopathy, such as balance problems, hand clumsiness, or bowel/bladder changes
Fever, chills, redness, swelling, or concern for infection
Severe pain after trauma, fracture, dislocation, or crush injury
Sudden cold, pale, blue, swollen, or pulseless arm or hand
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms concerning for heart or lung disease

What Happens During a Brachial Plexus Block?

The exact procedure depends on the target region and approach. A shoulder-region interscalene or superior trunk block is different from a supraclavicular, infraclavicular, or axillary block used for more distal arm or hand coverage.

Step 1: Evaluation and Target Selection

The physician reviews the pain location, neurologic findings, prior surgery, injury history, cervical spine findings, shoulder or arm imaging, prior nerve testing, medications, and treatment goals. The block target is chosen based on the suspected nerve pathway.

Step 2: Positioning and Monitoring

The patient is positioned based on the planned approach. Vital signs may be monitored, especially when larger-volume local anesthetic or sedation is used.

Step 3: Ultrasound-Guided Needle Placement

Ultrasound is commonly used to identify the brachial plexus, nearby blood vessels, muscles, pleura or lung-related structures depending on level, and the safest needle path.

Step 4: Safety Checks

The physician may use aspiration, incremental injection, ultrasound visualization of spread, and other safety steps to reduce the chance of vascular injection or unintended spread.

Step 5: Medication Injection

Medication is placed near the selected portion of the brachial plexus, not intentionally inside the nerve. The medication may include local anesthetic and other medication depending on the purpose of the block and the patient’s condition.

Step 6: Response and Follow-Up

The patient should track pain relief, numbness pattern, arm heaviness, hand function, movement tolerance, therapy tolerance, and how long the effect lasts. This information helps guide the next step.

Track the Pain Map, Not Just Numbness

After a brachial plexus block, patients should notice whether the familiar pain improves, which region becomes numb, whether movement becomes easier, and whether therapy or daily use improves.

Why Ultrasound Guidance Matters

The brachial plexus travels near important structures, including blood vessels, muscles, lung-related anatomy, and other nerves. Ultrasound guidance allows the physician to see the nerve structures and surrounding anatomy in real time.

Ultrasound may help the physician:

Identify the brachial plexus at the chosen level
Identify nearby arteries and veins
Adjust for patient-specific anatomy
Watch medication spread around the target region
Use lower or more precise local anesthetic volume when appropriate
Reduce the chance of vascular puncture or unintended spread
Improve confidence that the block result is meaningful

Even with ultrasound, a brachial plexus block is not risk-free. The anatomy changes depending on whether the target is interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, or axillary. The technique should match the clinical question.

The Brachial Plexus Is Close to Important Anatomy

A good brachial plexus block is not just about finding nerves. It is also about avoiding vessels, lung-related structures, excessive spread, and unnecessary motor blockade.

How Long Does Relief Last?

Relief after a brachial plexus block varies. Some patients feel relief only while the local anesthetic is active. Others may improve for a longer period if the block reduces a pain flare, allows therapy participation, or helps reset severe guarding and sensitivity.

The duration of relief depends on several factors:

Whether the brachial plexus is truly part of the pain pathway
Which approach was used
Which medication was injected
Whether pain is acute, post-surgical, traumatic, neuropathic, or chronic
Whether symptoms are actually coming from the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand
Whether therapy or desensitization can be restarted during the pain-relief window
Whether another treatment is needed for the underlying diagnosis

A short but strong response can be diagnostically meaningful. Longer relief may be therapeutic. No relief may suggest that the diagnosis, target, or pain generator needs to be reconsidered.

What If the Brachial Plexus Block Helps?

If a brachial plexus block helps, the result may suggest that the upper-extremity nerve pathway is a meaningful contributor to the pain. The next step depends on the amount of relief, the numbness pattern, how long relief lasted, and whether function improved.

Possible next steps may include:

Physical therapy or occupational therapy during the pain-relief window
Desensitization therapy for severe sensitivity or CRPS-type pain
Medication adjustment for nerve pain
Further localization of the painful nerve pathway
More targeted peripheral nerve block if a specific nerve is identified
Stellate ganglion block if sympathetic features appear important
Cervical spine evaluation if nerve root involvement remains possible
Peripheral nerve stimulation in selected chronic refractory focal nerve pain patterns
Further surgical, neurologic, orthopedic, or hand evaluation when appropriate

Use the Pain-Relief Window

If the block improves pain and movement, the best use of that window may be therapy, desensitization, sleep recovery, gentle range of motion, and restoring confidence in limb use.

What If the Block Does Not Help?

If a brachial plexus block does not help, that information can still be useful. It may mean the brachial plexus is not the main pain pathway, the target level did not match the painful region, or the symptoms are coming from the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand.

When the block does not help, the plan may shift toward:

Rechecking the pain map and neurologic examination
Reviewing cervical spine imaging or considering cervical radiculopathy
Considering shoulder joint, rotator cuff, or suprascapular nerve pain
Considering carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, radial nerve, ulnar nerve, or median nerve entrapment
Considering vascular, inflammatory, or systemic causes
Considering EMG/NCS when nerve localization remains unclear
Trying a different targeted diagnostic block if clinically appropriate

A Negative Block Is Still Information

If the familiar arm or hand pain does not improve after a properly performed brachial plexus block, the diagnosis may need to move beyond the tested plexus pathway.

Brachial Plexus Block vs. Sympathetic Block for Arm Pain

Some upper-extremity pain involves ordinary sensory nerve pathways. Some involves the sympathetic nervous system. Some involves both. The treatment target changes depending on the pattern.

Feature	Brachial Plexus Block	Stellate Ganglion Block
Main Target	Upper-extremity sensory and motor nerve network	Sympathetic nerves in the neck
Typical Clues	Pain follows nerve distribution, trauma or surgical nerve pain, upper-extremity neuropathic pain	Color change, temperature change, sweating change, swelling, severe allodynia, CRPS-type pattern
Common Purpose	Test or treat upper-extremity nerve pain pathway	Test or treat sympathetically maintained pain pathway

These procedures are not interchangeable. The correct block depends on whether the pain behaves like plexus-mediated nerve pain, sympathetic pain, cervical radiculopathy, or a local peripheral nerve problem.

Risks and Side Effects

Brachial plexus blocks can be helpful in selected patients, but they involve a major nerve network near important structures. Risks depend on the approach, medication, patient anatomy, medical history, and imaging method.

General Risks May Include:

Temporary soreness at the injection site
Bruising or bleeding
Temporary numbness, warmth, heaviness, or weakness in the arm or hand
Temporary increase in pain
Infection, uncommon but possible
Nerve irritation or nerve injury, uncommon but important
Allergic reaction to medication, uncommon but possible
Local anesthetic side effects or toxicity
Vascular puncture or hematoma
Block failure or incomplete coverage
Fall or injury risk from using a numb or weak arm carelessly

Approach-Specific Risks May Include:

Interscalene or superior trunk region: temporary phrenic nerve involvement, breathing discomfort in susceptible patients, hoarseness, Horner-type symptoms, or spread to nearby nerves.
Supraclavicular region: pneumothorax, or lung collapse, is uncommon but important; vascular puncture is also possible.
Infraclavicular region: vascular puncture, hematoma, incomplete spread, or nerve irritation may occur.
Axillary region: vascular puncture and incomplete nerve coverage are possible, though lung-related risk is generally lower than higher approaches.

Patients taking blood thinners or patients with bleeding disorders, infection, medication allergies, lung disease, heart disease, prior neck or shoulder surgery, severe neurologic deficits, or progressive weakness should discuss risks carefully before the procedure.

This Is a Major Nerve Network

A brachial plexus block may temporarily numb or weaken part of the arm or hand. Patients should protect the limb until normal feeling and strength return.

Recovery After a Brachial Plexus Block

Most patients are observed briefly after a brachial plexus block and go home the same day. Some patients notice numbness, warmth, heaviness, weakness, or pain relief in the arm or hand depending on the approach and medication spread.

Patients should be careful while the arm is numb or weak. A painless arm can still be injured by heat, pressure, overuse, or awkward positioning.

General Recovery Tips

Track pain relief during the first few hours after the block.
Notice which areas become numb and whether the familiar pain improves.
Protect the arm and hand from heat, pressure, and accidental injury while numb.
Avoid driving, lifting, or using tools until strength and sensation have returned and instructions allow it.
Use the pain-relief window for gentle movement or therapy only as directed.
Call the office if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual.

If the block is diagnostic, the early response is especially important. Patients should write down how much relief occurred, where numbness occurred, how long it lasted, and whether movement, hand use, sleep, or therapy tolerance improved.

Do Not Waste the Diagnostic Window

Track the pain map carefully: shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand, fingers, strength, numbness, and movement. That map helps interpret the block.

How to Prepare for the Procedure

Preparation depends on the patient’s medical history, medications, planned approach, and whether sedation is used.

Before the Procedure

Tell the physician about blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and supplements.
Report infection, fever, antibiotic use, or recent illness.
Tell the physician about medication allergy, contrast allergy, latex allergy, or prior reaction to injections.
Tell the physician about lung disease, breathing problems, sleep apnea, heart disease, vascular disease, or neurologic disease.
Tell the physician about prior neck surgery, shoulder surgery, trauma, nerve injury, or brachial plexus injury.
Bring or review relevant imaging, EMG/NCS, surgical reports, or specialist notes if available.
Ask whether you need a driver, especially if sedation is planned or arm weakness is expected.
Ask exactly what symptoms and activities to track after the block.

Cost, Insurance, and Coverage

Insurance coverage for brachial plexus block depends on the diagnosis, payer policy, documentation, medical necessity, medication used, image guidance, and whether prior authorization is required.

Coverage may differ depending on whether the block is performed for diagnostic pain evaluation, acute trauma pain, post-surgical pain, CRPS-type pain, or another indication.

Patients should ask:

Is the brachial plexus block covered by my insurance?
Is prior authorization required?
Which approach is being used: interscalene, superior trunk, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, or axillary?
What diagnosis is being used?
Is the block diagnostic, therapeutic, or both?
Will ultrasound guidance be used?
Will sedation be used?
What are my out-of-pocket costs?
What happens if the block helps?
What happens if it does not help?

For treatments that are not covered or are self-pay, our office can discuss payment options. For eligible patients, CareCredit financing may be available depending on approval and available terms.

Questions to Ask Before a Brachial Plexus Block

Before the block, patients should understand what upper-extremity nerve pathway is being tested and what the result will mean.

Helpful Questions Include:

Do my symptoms suggest brachial plexus involvement?
Could this pain be coming from my neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand instead?
Which brachial plexus approach are you recommending?
What region of my arm or hand should become numb?
Is this block diagnostic, therapeutic, or both?
Will ultrasound guidance be used?
What medication will be injected?
How much relief would count as a positive response?
How long should relief last?
What should I track after the block?
Could a stellate ganglion block, cervical epidural, suprascapular block, or peripheral nerve block be more appropriate?
What are the risks for my specific situation?
What are the next steps if the block helps?
What are the next steps if the block does not help?

The Best Question Before the Block

Ask: “Which part of the upper-extremity nerve map are we testing, and what will we do differently depending on the result?” If the answer is clear, the block has a purpose.

Brachial plexus block is part of a broader nerve pain care map. Patients with overlapping neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, hand, or complex nerve pain may also benefit from related topics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brachial Plexus Block

What is a brachial plexus block?

A brachial plexus block is an injection placed near the nerve network that supplies much of the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. It may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic upper-extremity pain care in selected patients.

What does a brachial plexus block treat?

It may be considered for selected shoulder, arm, wrist, or hand pain patterns, post-surgical upper-extremity nerve pain, trauma-related pain, complex regional pain patterns, and cases where upper-extremity nerve pathway involvement needs diagnostic clarification.

Is a brachial plexus block the same as a cervical epidural?

No. A cervical epidural targets nerve roots or the epidural space near the spine. A brachial plexus block targets the upper-extremity nerve network outside the spine.

Is it the same as a stellate ganglion block?

No. A stellate ganglion block targets sympathetic nerves in the neck. A brachial plexus block targets the sensory and motor nerve network that supplies the upper extremity.

Is it the same as a suprascapular nerve block?

No. A suprascapular nerve block targets one major shoulder sensory nerve. A brachial plexus block targets a broader upper-extremity nerve network, depending on the approach.

What are the different types of brachial plexus blocks?

Common approaches include interscalene, superior trunk, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary blocks. The approach depends on the pain location, anatomy, risks, and treatment goal.

Which approach is used for shoulder pain?

Shoulder-region pain may involve interscalene, superior trunk, suprascapular, axillary, or other articular branch strategies depending on the diagnosis. A brachial plexus block is only one possible option.

Which approach is used for wrist or hand pain?

Distal upper-extremity pain may involve supraclavicular, infraclavicular, axillary, or more targeted peripheral nerve blocks depending on the suspected nerve pathway.

Is ultrasound guidance used?

Ultrasound guidance is commonly used because it helps identify the brachial plexus, nearby blood vessels, muscles, and other important anatomy in real time.

How does the block work?

The block places medication near the selected portion of the brachial plexus. Local anesthetic may temporarily numb the nerve pathway and reduce pain signaling. The response helps guide diagnosis and treatment planning.

Is the block diagnostic or therapeutic?

It can be both. If the block temporarily relieves the familiar pain, it may help confirm that the upper-extremity nerve pathway is involved. If relief improves movement, sleep, or therapy tolerance, it may also have therapeutic value.

How long does relief last?

Relief varies. Some patients improve only while the local anesthetic is active. Others may improve longer if the block reduces a pain flare or allows better movement, therapy, or desensitization.

Will my arm go numb or weak?

It may. Because the brachial plexus carries sensory and motor fibers, temporary numbness, heaviness, warmth, or weakness in part of the arm or hand can occur depending on the approach and medication spread.

What if the block does not help?

If the block does not help, the brachial plexus may not be the main pain pathway, the target may not match the painful region, or symptoms may be coming from the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, vascular system, or another nerve.

What are the risks?

Risks may include soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, temporary numbness or weakness, pain flare, nerve irritation or injury, allergic reaction, local anesthetic side effects or toxicity, vascular puncture, hematoma, incomplete block, pneumothorax with certain approaches, breathing effects with certain approaches, and failure to improve.

Can the block be repeated?

It may be repeated in selected cases when the first block provides meaningful relief and the diagnosis supports repeating treatment. Repeat blocks should have a clear purpose and should not continue indefinitely without benefit.

What are the next steps if the block works?

Next steps may include therapy, desensitization, medication adjustment, more targeted nerve evaluation, peripheral nerve stimulation in selected cases, cervical spine evaluation, stellate ganglion block, or specialist referral depending on the response and diagnosis.

Is this nerve block covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on the diagnosis, approach, payer policy, medical necessity, documentation, medication used, image guidance, and whether prior authorization is required.

Key Takeaways

A brachial plexus block targets the nerve network that supplies much of the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand.
It may be useful in selected upper-extremity pain patterns, post-surgical nerve pain, trauma-related pain, and diagnostic nerve pain evaluation.
The approach matters: interscalene, superior trunk, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary blocks cover different regions and have different risks.
A brachial plexus block is different from a cervical epidural, stellate ganglion block, suprascapular nerve block, or carpal tunnel injection.
Ultrasound guidance helps identify the plexus and nearby vessels, muscles, and sensitive structures.
Temporary arm numbness, heaviness, or weakness can occur, so patients must protect the limb after the procedure.
A short but strong response can be diagnostically meaningful.
No relief may mean the diagnosis, target, or pain pathway needs to be reconsidered.
Next steps may include therapy, medication adjustment, more targeted peripheral nerve evaluation, stellate ganglion block, cervical spine evaluation, peripheral nerve stimulation, or specialist referral depending on the response.

Is Your Arm or Hand Pain Coming From the Brachial Plexus?

Shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand pain can come from the neck, brachial plexus, shoulder joint, elbow, wrist, peripheral nerves, sympathetic system, or vascular system. The treatment depends on the map.

At SpinePain Solutions, we evaluate the pain pattern, neurologic findings, imaging, nerve testing, injury history, and prior treatments to decide whether a brachial plexus block or a more targeted approach makes sense.

Schedule a Consultation

This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace individualized medical advice. Shoulder pain, arm pain, wrist pain, hand pain, brachial plexus pain, cervical radiculopathy, peripheral nerve entrapment, CRPS, post-surgical nerve pain, vascular pain, and other upper-extremity conditions can have multiple causes. New, severe, progressive, weak, numb, traumatic, infectious, vascular, chest-related, breathing-related, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Treatment decisions should be based on a complete history, physical examination, imaging or diagnostic testing when appropriate, diagnosis, risks, benefits, alternatives, and a discussion with your physician.