Are you unable to sleep peacefully at night due to that unbearable shoulder pain? A large number of people not only experience shoulder pain while doing any activities but during sleep as well. Shoulder pain causing sleep disturbances can be extremely frustrating. Many patients with shoulder pain struggle to find relief and suffer from sleep difficulties as a result. This issue is common across various shoulder problems and can take a toll on overall well-being, despite individuals finding ways to cope during the day.
Shoulder pain at night is often caused by prolonged pressure on the shoulder while sleeping on your side, particularly if there is an underlying issue in the shoulder joint or upper arm. Bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled pad that cushions the bones of the joint, is a common cause of this pain for side sleepers. When the bursa is injured, it swells and becomes painful. Other potential causes of nighttime shoulder pain include biceps tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, and overuse injuries from repetitive activities or shoulder motions. While sports like racquet and ball throwing are known culprits, any repetitive shoulder motion can lead to overuse injuries. Biceps tendonitis often develops from prolonged overuse and degeneration of the biceps tendon, which links muscles and bones in the shoulder joint.
As one becomes older, tendons may lose flexibility and become more susceptible to injury, making tendinopathy a natural part of the aging process. Biceps tendinopathy can cause sharp arm pains during specific movements, such as reaching behind you. Rotator cuff injuries typically involve tears in these tendons, which are formed by four muscles connecting the humerus bone to the shoulder blade. The rotator cuff plays a pivotal role when it comes to maintaining shoulder stability and movement. Damage to any of these muscles can lead to inflammation, swelling, and general shoulder pain. Rotator cuff tears are a common issue that may result from falls or lifting heavy objects too quickly, but most tears occur due to gradual wear and tear on the tendons over time.
Stretching is crucial for alleviating pain in the shoulder: Before bedtime, it's important to gently stretch the shoulder to improve its range of motion and reduce discomfort. Simple movements like shoulder shrug, rolling the shoulders backward, and wall stretches can significantly enhance flexibility. For example, standing close to a wall and reaching as high as possible with your fingers can be very effective.
Tips to relieve pain: Resting in a reclined position, using ice or heat, wearing a compression sleeve, and refraining from activities that could cause shoulder overuse can help alleviate discomfort.
The last word: In case the persistent shoulder pain doesn't improve or becomes more severe, it's advisable to consult an orthopaedic. It's crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis to receive the most effective treatment. The specialist will assess your shoulder using X-rays or MRI scans and come up with a customized treatment plan. Non-surgical options may involve adjusting activities, undergoing physical therapy, and/or receiving a cortisone injection for pain relief. If there is no progress in strength or if the injury worsens, surgery might be necessary to restore function and relieve discomfort.
(Author: Dr Chintan Desai, Ortho, Shoulder Surgeon, Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai)
