Nighttime shoulder pain is extremely common, and patients usually tell Dr. Polyzois, “Doctor, the pain wakes me up at night.” The pain can occur whether someone is lying on the painful shoulder or not, on the opposite side, or on their back. Patients cannot find a comfortable sleeping position. The pain simply does not allow them to sleep well.
With what symptoms does nighttime shoulder pain appear?
Nighttime shoulder pain can present in combination with edema, swelling, and arm numbness. Sometimes the patient experiences sudden shoulder pain, and in several cases, they cannot lift their shoulder. Very often, poor posture, overuse, and repetitive micro-injuries in the workplace contribute negatively. Nighttime pain in the left or right shoulder is a significant indication that something is wrong, and the patient should seek a specialized shoulder surgeon. Meanwhile, in some cases, nighttime shoulder pain should not be ignored, as it can indicate shoulder cancer.
Why does shoulder pain worsen at night?
The reason is not fully understood. It may be related to the inflammation in the shoulder that occurs when the joint is at rest. When the shoulder is in contact with the body, blood flow to the shoulder tendons and the bursa is reduced. This body posture may explain the pain. During the day, the weight of the arm increases the subacromial space and reduces compression on the shoulder tendons. However, at night and during sleep, this does not happen. The muscles relax and are not activated, which also reduces the space.
When Dr. Polyzois evaluates patients with nighttime shoulder pain, his goals are 1) to make the correct diagnosis and 2) to offer effective and appropriate treatment for permanent pain relief.
What are the main causes of nighttime shoulder pain?
Nevertheless, the most common causes are found in patients with shoulder inflammation, meaning conditions such as:
- Bursitis
- Calcific tendonitis
- Subacromial impingement/impingement syndrome
- Shoulder tendon tears: A tendon tear can result from an acute or chronic injury, or it can be degenerative.
- Shoulder arthritis: Arthritis can affect the main shoulder joint (glenohumeral) or the acromioclavicular joint.
- Frozen shoulder
Direct pressure and uncontrolled movements of the arm to the right or left worsen the problem, especially when this happens for a long period during deep sleep. Thus, the bursa becomes inflamed. This causes tendonitis, calcium deposits, and bursitis. If left untreated, it can cause tears in the tendons.
How should you sleep if your shoulder hurts?
Try sleeping on the opposite side. Sleeping propped up on a few pillows or in a specialized bed that keeps you slightly upright can also prevent you from rolling onto the painful shoulder. Doing some light stretches can also help relieve shoulder pain. It can relax some of the tight muscles around the shoulder and assist with sleep.
When should you seek treatment for nighttime shoulder pain?
A patient with nighttime shoulder pain should seek a specialized upper limb Orthopedist:
- If your shoulder pain wakes you up at night and persists for a period of 2-3 weeks or worsens.
- If the pain includes weakness, loss of movement, or instability.
Addressing nighttime pain is primarily related to the timely diagnosis of the patient by a specialist. Dr. Polyzois will see you at the shoulder clinic, take a thorough history, and perform a careful clinical examination of the shoulder. He will then refer you for simple shoulder X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, depending on the diagnosis.
Nighttime Shoulder Pain: Treatment
The management of nighttime shoulder pain depends on the cause triggering the pain. Conservative treatment can be effective in cases where the pain is not chronic and is mainly due to some type of inflammation. However, for the treatment of severe conditions, most of the time, the following are performed:
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: It is bloodless, painless, and corrects all damage very quickly, fully relieving pain and restoring function. The cost is highly affordable, and in the hands of Dr. Polyzois, the result is excellent.
- Shoulder Arthroplasty: It fully restores movement and strength to the shoulder in cases of severe arthritis. The method is minimally invasive, and the patient is discharged from the hospital in less than 24 hours.
If you are troubled by nighttime shoulder pain, then contact the Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ioannis Polyzois. His long-term experience abroad and his training in the surgical management of upper limb conditions offer a secure and permanent solution.