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shoulder pain relief while sleeping
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Sleep-Related Disorders
Question #12998
48 days ago
76

shoulder pain relief while sleeping - #12998

Manvi

I am really struggling with shoulder pain relief while sleeping and honestly, it's making me miserable. Like, for the past month, I can't seem to find a comfortable position. I usually sleep on my side, but everything from my shoulder to my neck just aches. I even tried hugging a pillow, or using a different mattress, but it’s all so frustrating! I don't have any injuries, but the pain gets worse when I wake up, and I feel like a total zombie during the day. I had a friend suggest stretching before bed, but I’m not sure if that’s the answer. I also tried some over-the-counter pain relief stuff which didn’t really help much... just took the edge off. Should I be looking into physical therapy or something more serious? I'm worried I’m just going to have to deal with shoulder pain relief while sleeping for the rest of my life. Has anyone else been there and found a solution that works? What about different pillows or sleeping postures? Ugh, I just want good sleep again and not wake up feeling like I've been tackled by a football team! Any suggestions would seriously mean lots to me!

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Doctors’ responses

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain while sleeping, there are several strategies to consider that might help reduce your discomfort. Since you’ve already tried switching pillows and resorting to OTC pain relievers with limited success, let’s explore some other approaches. Firstly, examining your sleeping posture can be important. Side-sleeping, particularly if you lie directly on the affected shoulder, can sometimes exacerbate pain. Instead, try sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow beneath the head and an additional thin pillow under your shoulders to maintain alignment. Alternatively, if your back sleeping isn’t comfortable, opt for side-sleeping on the unaffected side, while keeping a small pillow or knee pillow between your knees to avoid spinal twisting. In terms of pillows, investing in one that supports the natural curvature of your neck while offering enough cushioning is recommended. Feather or memory foam pillows often provide adaptive support for many users. Physical therapy indeed could prove advantageous, especially exercises designed to strengthen shoulder girdle muscles and improve flexibility. Targeted stretches, like arm across-the-chest or doorway stretches, done gently before bed might also contribute to relief, but don’t push into pain while doing them. Moreover, applying ice or heat therapy to the affected shoulder can help reduce inflammation and improve comfort. If no improvement is noticed, consulting a healthcare professional for an in-depth evaluation would be beneficial. They might suggest imaging studies, such as X-ray or MRI, to rule out potential underlying conditions like rotator cuff issues or arthritis. Rather than enduring the persistent discomfort, early intervention can lead to better outcomes and more restful nights. Keep your awareness of any increases in pain severity or new symptoms constant and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance promptly.

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