Can Sleeping On Your Shoulder Create Pain?

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Sleeping on the shoulder cause shoulder pain 

Some positions on your side can put stress on your shoulder. As you sleep, the side of your shoulder is under a lot of pressure from your torso. If you’re experiencing pain in this area, consider contacting our Shoulder Pain Doctor in Garden City at Hand in Hand Occupational Therapy. Sleeping position is not the only thing that can lead to shoulder pain: 

Rotator cuff injury - rotator cuff injury happens when the tendons on the rotator cuff become inflamed and irritated or partially or completely torn. 

Some symptoms can include: 

  • Dull ache or pain in the affected shoulder 

  • Pain that worsens with movements that require shoulder movement

  • Stiffness or loss of range of motion 

  • Interrupted sleep when you roll over to the affected shoulder

Shoulder bursitis - bursitis are small sacks of fluids meant to cushion the joints. 

Some symptoms include: 

  • Localized aching or tenderness in the affected shoulder 

  • Pain that gets worse with the movement of the affected shoulder 

  • Pain when pressure is applied to the area 

  • Swelling and rednessStiffness in the affected area

Shoulder impingement syndrome - when the soft tissue around your rotator cuff catches or rubs on nearby tissue or bone as you move your arm. 

Some symptoms are: 

  • Pain in the top or outer shoulder

  • Pain that becomes worse when lifting your arm especially above the head

  • Pain that could become worse at night and can affect sleep

  • Weakness in the affected shoulder or arm  

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder - when cartilage begins to break down throughout the shoulder. For emergency situations, please contact our shoulder pain doctor in Garden City. 

Some symptoms are: 

  • Pain that occurs with movement but then continues during non-movement 

  • Stiffness or loss or range of motion

  • Grinding or clicking sounds that happen during movement 

Frozen shoulder - when the connective tissue in your shoulder joint thickens. 

Some symptoms are: 

  • freezing - pain with movement and barely any range in motion 

  • Frozen- pain decreases but the shoulder is stiff and movement is difficult 

  • thawing - range of motions begins to improve 

Preventing shoulder injury

  • Avoid repetitive motions

  • Take breaks

  • Exercise- exercising your shoulder muscles gets them stronger and allows them to deal with stress better. 

  • Use a dolly or wheelbarrow for heavy loads 

Sleeping with shoulder pain 

 When experiencing shoulder pain it may be work to get a good night’s rest. Here are a few things you can do: 

  • Don’t sleep on the affected shoulder. 

  • Utilize a pillow- placing a pillow that will prevent you from rolling onto the affected shoulder can help keep the affected shoulder from added pressure. 

  • Stay active- Regular exercise will boost blood flow to the shoulder helping it heal faster. Regulating shoulder stretches and exercises will help the healing process.  

  • Over the counter pain relievers 

  • Practice good sleep habits

How Hand in Hand Occupational Therapy can help 

If you are suffering from Shoulder Pain Doctor Garden City look no further Hand in Hand occupation Therapy has you covered. We offer adult and pediatric therapy. Through our one on one care, our patients get the care they rightly deserve. To book an appointment today visit our website.