Shoulder Pain: Sleeping Woes And Daily Struggles

Experiencing shoulder pain when sleeping is a common issue that can lead to sleepless nights and irritability during the day. While your sleep position may not be the root cause of the pain, it can aggravate underlying conditions and lead to further discomfort. This is especially true for side sleepers, as prolonged pressure on the shoulder can irritate the joint and surrounding tissues.

There are several potential causes of shoulder pain when sleeping, including rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can result from overuse, repetitive motions, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or stroke. The pain may be worsened by sleeping directly on the affected shoulder, particularly for side sleepers.

To alleviate shoulder pain when sleeping, it is recommended to adjust your sleeping position, use pillows for support, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your unaffected side with a pillow between your knees can help reduce pressure on the shoulder. Additionally, incorporating gentle stretches and strengthening exercises for the shoulder before bed can be beneficial.

If the pain persists or becomes disruptive to your daily life, it is important to consult a medical professional for further advice and treatment options.

Rotator cuff injuries

There are several causes of rotator cuff injuries. They can occur due to an injury, such as falling with an outstretched arm or lifting something heavy. They can also be caused by participating in sports that frequently use the shoulder joint, such as baseball, tennis, or swimming. In addition, regularly performing activities that require lifting or overhead use of the arms, such as construction work or painting, can lead to rotator cuff injuries.

The symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include a dull ache or pain in the shoulder, which may be worse at night and can disrupt sleep. Other symptoms include pain when performing movements that involve lifting, throwing, or reaching behind the back, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion. There may also be clicking or popping sounds when moving the arm.

If you suspect you have a rotator cuff injury, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The doctor will take your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, may also be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for rotator cuff injuries can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Initial treatment is often conservative and may include rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Physical therapy is also often recommended to improve strength and range of motion in the shoulder. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

To prevent rotator cuff injuries, it is important to avoid repetitive motions and take regular breaks when performing activities that involve the shoulder joint. It is also crucial to properly warm up and stretch before exercising or engaging in physical activities.

Bursitis

If you are experiencing shoulder pain when sleeping, it could be due to a number of reasons, one of which is bursitis.

The symptoms of bursitis include:

• Localized aching or tenderness in the affected shoulder
• Pain that gets worse with movement
• Pain when pressure is applied to the area, such as when lying down
• Stiffness in the affected shoulder
• Swelling and redness

If you are experiencing shoulder pain at night, you can try the following:

• Adjust your sleeping position to take pressure off your shoulder
• Use pillows to prevent yourself from rolling onto your sore shoulder
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before bed
• Practice good sleep habits, such as keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding screens, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed

If you are experiencing shoulder pain that is disruptive, severe, or persistent, be sure to consult your doctor. They can help diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Osteoarthritis

If you are experiencing osteoarthritis in your shoulder, sleeping on your side can put additional stress on your shoulder, as it bears the weight of your torso. This can make the pain worse, especially in the morning. To avoid this, try sleeping on your back with your shoulders supported by pillows. This will help to keep your spine in line and reduce pain. You can also try putting pillows around you to hold you in a comfortable position and prevent you from rolling onto your sore shoulder.

To help manage the pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen before bed. Regular exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy can also help to reduce pain and improve your range of motion.

If you are experiencing persistent, disruptive shoulder pain, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may recommend specific exercises or treatments such as corticosteroid injections to help manage your pain.

Frozen shoulder

Freezing Stage

During the freezing stage, you will experience a slow increase in pain, along with a decreasing range of motion. This stage typically lasts from 6 weeks to 9 months.

Frozen Stage

In the frozen stage, the pain may lessen, but the stiffness remains, and daily activities can become challenging. This stage usually lasts for 4 to 6 months.

Thawing Stage

In the final stage, your shoulder motion gradually improves, but it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to return to normal or close to normal strength and movement.

Causes

The exact causes of frozen shoulder are not fully understood. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. These include:

• Diabetes: Frozen shoulder is more common in people with diabetes, and they tend to experience greater stiffness that lasts longer.
• Other diseases: Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac disease have been associated with frozen shoulder.
• Immobilization: Frozen shoulder can develop when the shoulder is immobilized for a prolonged period due to surgery, a fracture, or another injury.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing frozen shoulder typically involves a physical examination, and additional tests such as X-rays or MRIs may be performed to rule out other causes of symptoms. Treatment focuses on relieving pain and improving range of motion. Physical therapy, with a focus on shoulder flexibility, is the primary treatment recommendation. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, are also commonly prescribed to reduce pain and swelling. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections, shoulder manipulation, or surgery may be considered.

Biceps tendonitis

The condition usually occurs alongside other shoulder issues, such as rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement syndrome, or a dislocated shoulder. Symptoms include pain in the front of the shoulder, weakness with movement of the shoulder, and occasional snapping sounds or sensations in the shoulder. The pain may worsen with overhead lifting or activity, and can radiate down the upper arm bone.

Initial treatment for biceps tendonitis is typically conservative, involving rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Steroid injections may also be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Physical therapy can also help improve the strength and range of motion in the shoulder.

If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be required. Surgical options include biceps tenodesis, where the damaged section of the biceps is removed and the remaining tendon is reattached to the upper arm bone, and tenotomy, where the damaged biceps tendon is released from its attachment.

Frequently asked questions