Sleeping on shoulder
I am really confused and worried about something that’s been going on with my body recently. Okay, so I always sleep on my shoulder, like I’ve done it my whole life. I never thought much of it until about a month ago. I started to notice this weird ache, especially in the mornings, like my whole left shoulder is stiff. It’s kind of frustrating because I can’t find a comfortable position anymore. I thought maybe it was just, you know, sleeping on my shoulder too much, but I’ve tried switching sides and even sleeping on my back, but nothing seems to help. I even tried different pillows and everything! The other day I woke up and it felt like I had this crazy knot right in the middle of my shoulder blade. Is it really bad to be sleeping on your shoulder like this? Should I be worried that it's something more serious? I don’t want to risk having long term damage just from, ugh, sleeping on my shoulder the wrong way! Has anyone else had this happen? What are the best tips or treatments you guys would suggest?
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Doctors' responses
Sleeping on your shoulder can sometimes lead to discomfort, stiffness, or aches, especially if your alignment isn’t optimal during sleep. The pressure and stress on the tendons, muscles, and nerves around the shoulder area can contribute to these issues. It’s good that you’ve already tried switching your positions and using different pillows. Those are excellent first steps. Poor posture or an unsupportive mattress could also be playing a role here. Since changing positions hasn’t helped much, there are a couple of adjustments you might consider making. Firstly, make sure your pillow offers adequate support for your neck and head, keeping them aligned with your spine. Try a firmer pillow, or a specially designed neck pillow to see if it offers better support. Additional strategies may include stretching and strengthening exercises for your shoulder during the day to improve flexibility and support, which could ease some of that morning stiffness. Gentle stretching before bed might help too. Pay attention to any specific movements or activities during the day that might be aggravating your shoulder, like heavy lifting or repetitive motions. If the knot you mentioned in your shoulder blade is persistent, consider using a foam roller or even getting a massage to help relieve muscle tension. More concerning signs would include severe pain, numbness, or limited movement, which would warrant seeing a healthcare professional to rule out any serious issues like rotator cuff injuries or nerve impingements. They might want to perform an examination, or order imaging tests to get to the root of what’s causing the persistent pain. Remember, if symptoms worsen or don’t improve with self-care measures, consult a doctor to discuss further treatment options.
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