Night Time Shoulder Pain and What to Do About It

1. Night Time Shoulder Pain and What to Do About It Night time shoulder pain is a common condition. It reduces the quality of sleep, and it may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most of them are easily manageable. Night Time Shoulder Pain Many people complain of shoulder pain that wakes them up during the night. During the pain, the person looks for a comfortable position to sleep. However, in most cases, the pain continues with no respite. It reduces the quality of sleep. The underlying mechanism of shoulder pain at night is not fully known. Researchers believe that it may be due to the prolonged static position of the joint. Others think that there is a restriction in the blood flow to the rotator cuff while sleeping leads to pain. It is essential to consult with the doctor to diagnose the underlying cause and manage the condition. Doctors should take due care while diagnosing pain in the left shoulder and neck. Causes of Shoulder Pain There are various causes of shoulder pain at night. Some of them are:

2. Shoulder Bursitis: Bursae are present near the joints and provide a cushioning effect. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa. It may develop due to repetitive motions involving the shoulder joint. Tendinopathy: Tendons connect muscles to bone. Tendinopathy is the disease of tendons that causes pain, redness, and swelling. Its causes include repetitive movement and injury. People at risk are athletes, musicians, and manual labourers. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Rotator cuff injuries may also result in shoulder pain at night. The shoulder injuries may be due to falling, lifting heavy objects, or indulging in activities requiring repetitive motion. Shoulder Impingement: It occurs when there is friction between the joint and the surrounding soft tissues. It may be due to bone spurs, tendinitis, bursitis, and anatomical variations in the shoulder bones. Shoulder Osteoarthritis: This condition develops when the cartilage degenerates that causes joint friction. Shoulder osteoarthritis may cause shoulder pain at night. Management of Shoulder Pain at Night Various measures may help in managing shoulder pain at night. These are: Correct sleeping position: Ask your doctor about the best sleeping posture. It will help to reduce the pressure from the affected shoulder. Exercise regularly: Routine exercise improves the blood flow throughout the body, including joints. It reduces pain and helps in faster healing. Use pillow: Use a pillow in case you need to sleep in a particular position. It restrains your movement during sleep and provides neck and shoulder pain relief. Analgesic drugs: Some over-the-counter medications may also help in relieving pain. However, you should consult with your doctor before taking such medications. Follow good sleeping behaviours: You should follow good sleeping behaviour. Avoid taking tea or coffee at night and avoid using screens (TV or mobile) just before sleeping. Prevention of Shoulder Pain at Night Some measures may help in preventing shoulder pain. These are:

3. Regular exercise. Avoid repetitive motions. Do not suddenly lift a heavy object. Take shorts breaks while engaged in repetitive activities. Conclusion The cause of shoulder pain at night are bursitis, tendinopathy, shoulder impingement, and osteoarthritis. The patient may get relief through analgesic drugs, regular exercise, and a proper sleeping position. Source - Tumblr