Quick Summary

Good and sound sleep is a healthy habit, and it helps your body heal most issues. But it can cause shoulder pain if you do not sleep in the right position. We have witnessed many people approach us with shoulder pain from side sleeping. There’s nothing much to worry about, as there can be several causes and it can be treated easily. In this article, we will explore the symptoms of shoulder pain and its treatment. Let’s explore.

Did you know that 25% of Americans, or one in four Americans, experience shoulder pain?

However, it is not clear if the pain is caused by on-site sleeping. Sprains, strains, wrong sleeping posture, or dislocation can cause shoulder pain. People generally sleep and wake up refreshed, but many of us feel fatigued and experience pain in the upper body, especially the shoulders. This is because not everyone sleeps on their back. Some people sleep with their faces facing the floor, while others tilt.

Arm pain from sleeping on the side is common. However, it is not wise to take the problem lightly if the pain persists for a long time. General discomfort and occasional pain are alright, but if these symptoms last longer, it could be shoulder impingement or tendonitis.

The average human sleeps six to eight hours every night. Poor sleeping posture can cause serious health problems beyond shoulder pain. The first step is to change sleeping habits and understand how one’s body works. It is possible to treat shoulder pain and lead a healthy life, but we must understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment.

This blog will educate readers about shoulder pain that results from sleeping on the side. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Causes of Shoulder Pain from Sleeping on the Side

Sleeping on your side can put some extra weight on your shoulder, and hence, you can experience pain. This is very common in most people as they sleep on the side, and because of that, their shoulders bear a lot of pressure. There have been many studies and findings that suggest that people sleep on the same side they experience pain. This shows sleeping on the side can have an impact on your shoulder, but there are various other causes for shoulder pain. Below are some of the few causes of shoulder pain due to individuals sleeping on their side.

1. Rotator Cuff

In medical terminology, irritated or inflamed tendons are known as tendonitis. Rotator cuff injury can occur for several other reasons, such as having suffered an injury, being involved in a sports activity that frequently uses the shoulder joints, or lifting heavy products. This condition can worsen sleep quality and make simple movements painful.

2. Shoulder Bursitis

The support system of cushion bones and tendons is called sacs. When they get impingement due to side sleeping, a problem occurs. This condition occurs due to inflammation and irritation of the fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder, resulting in sharp pain and local tenderness. Keeping your shoulder overworked may also be the main reason for shoulder pain.

3. Osteoarthritis

The shoulder’s cartilage that shields the bones loses its strength and deteriorates or breaks down.  It badly impacts your shoulders and even other joints throughout the body.  Even though it happens as you age, previous injuries or if you have ignored some injuries you received can’t be ruled out. Simply put, Osteoarthritis happens as people age or due to previous injuries.

4. Shoulder Impingement

Side sleeping can turn into a worse nightmare for your shoulder. When the tissues surrounding the rotator cuff start to rub against other bones and tissues, it causes shoulder impingement.  You will experience stiff pain in your shoulder, while squeezed rotator cough can result in spreading the conditions across bodies and turning it into bursitis. Immediate therapy consultation can help you get instant relief. The best way to begin healing arm pain from sleeping on the side is to book an appointment with a Town Physical Therapy provider in Paramus and get rid of your pain. 

5. Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder pain is unbearable sometimes, but you can make it easy to eliminate. All you have to do is to find the best physical therapy services provider near you and start therapy instantly. The best way to understand frozen shoulder is to understand how it happens. Pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, making regular movements painful and uncomfortable. In medical terms, this condition is called adhesive capsulitis.

6. Biceps Tendonitis

This is similar to shoulder impingement, though with a little difference. The bicep tendon connecting the muscles and bones in the shoulder joint deteriorates due to overuse, resulting in sharp pain and reduced mobility.

Treatment for Side Shoulder Pain

Home remedies can play an integral role in providing relief from shoulder pain. However, individuals should not consider themselves the ultimate solution to shoulder pain from sleeping alone. Some home treatments for shoulder pain relief are as follows –

1. Heat and Ice Packs

If you have enough time and some techniques, you can heal your shoulder pain at home anytime. Heat and ice packs are an option for individuals wanting pain relief from shoulder pain.  Make sure the shoulder pain is not deep, and you can tolerate not going to hospitals or seeing a therapy provider. But I suggest you connect with a therapist, know and implement their ideas into your daily life. If doing it at home, you must understand the proper combination of heat and ice packs. Use heat and ice packs accordingly, depending on the type of shoulder pain.

2. Shoulder Exercises

Regular exercise for your shoulder can also be a great help in getting relief from shoulder pains. You need to schedule a time for your health and get better exercise. Don’t perform stretching exercises immediately after the injury. After 48 hours of rest, perform mild shoulder exercises and physical therapy to relieve shoulder pain.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Medicines

If you experience inflammation in your shoulder, you can consider taking precautions to help you overcome the impact of inflammatory products. Over-the-counter medicines, including Aleve, Tylenol, and Advil, can reduce inflammation and shoulder pain.

9 Signs You Need Professional Medical Help for Shoulder Pain

Home remedies may help, but they can’t permanently cure shoulder pain. Below are eight signs if shoulder pain does not subside even after rest and home remedies.

#1: Sharp pain persists even after a few weeks

If you have recently developed shoulder pain, you need to take home remedies. However, if it continues for a week or more, you can consider seeing a therapist. Long-term shoulder pain can be more dangerous and may take longer to heal. Consult your therapist today and get rid of the pain.

#2: Older shoulder injuries

If you have older shoulder injuries or you have developed shoulder injuries after falls or dislocations, you need a therapist now. Using various treatment methods, your therapist will help you heal the pain and get your shoulder back to normal.

#3: Trouble facing while performing daily tasks

Sometimes, a minor shoulder pain becomes chronic if you ignore it for a long time. If you are facing problems while doing your daily chores or performing daily tasks, physical therapy services can help cure your pain instantly.

#4: Difficulty facing while sleeping

Even if you have minor shoulder pain, it is capable of giving you many sleepless nights. If you have tried and tested home remedies but failed, physical therapy services should be your next step. Book a consultation today with your nearest physical therapy service provider and get solutions for your problem.

#5: Severe inflammation

inflammation can be yet another cause of severe shoulder pain.  Inflammation, redness, or swelling in the shoulder are unbearable sometimes. Town physical therapy provides systematic solutions that help you cure inflammation problems quickly.

#6: Zero improvement after rest, ice, and medication

Have you had shoulder pain and tried all home remedies to cure the pain but went in vain? Physical therapy service is what you need now. Consult your therapist today or book an appointment with our experts and get permanent remedies instantly.

#7: Constant weakness or numbness in the hands

If you are experiencing constant weakness or numbness in your hands, you need to consult a therapist. However, you must ensure that the shoulder pain is caused by side sleeping. In most cases, weakness and numbness in hands can easily be cured, and you may not need to consult a therapist.

#8: Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds while moving the shoulder

Do you experience grinding sounds when you move your hands? Do you hear popping or clicking sounds when you raise your hands? If yes, you need a physiotherapist. However, if you have started experiencing this issue recently, you must take home remedies. But if it has been continuously going on, you need to connect with us now.

10 Golden Tips to Prevent/Reduce Shoulder Pain

Individuals will experience some kind of shoulder pain in their lives. Although there is no 100% solution to prevent shoulder pain, proper posture and exercises can improve the situation. Below are some tips to keep your shoulders healthy.

• Invest in proper mattresses and pillows. They should neither be too soft nor too hard.
• Give ample room for your body to move during sleep.
• Stop any physical activities that aggravate shoulder pain.
• Rest adequately after intense physical activity.
• Perform proper warm-up and stretching exercises before and after exercise.
• Maintain proper posture. Avoid hunching or crouching while walking or performing daily tasks.
• Strengthen shoulder muscles.
• Use ergonomic support while working and take frequent breaks.
• Apply ice or heat packs whenever necessary.
• Sleep in a shoulder-friendly position, preferably on your back (sleeping supine).

Conclusion

In the above blog, we covered many reasons that may cause shoulder pain. The shoulder is a complex joint that connects to the neck, hands, and back. Individuals experiencing shoulder pain should give their shoulders proper rest and perform home remedies. If things don’t improve after some time, it is best to consult a physical therapy service expert in your area.

Never neglect shoulder pain, which may be caused by diabetes, thyroid disorders, nerve damage, Parkinson’s disease, or cancer. Sleep on your back because it eliminates many of the possibilities of shoulder pain. Sleeping on your back also ensures proper spine alignment, reduces tension headaches, and prevents sinus buildup. 

Town Physical Therapy is a reputed name for treating various body pains, including shoulders. We have 10+ years of proven expertise in treating many kinds of ailments. Call us at (201) 778-7903 or Submit Contact us form  to schedule an appointment.