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shoulder pain from sleeping on side
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Sleep-Related Disorders
Question #18453
70 days ago
114

shoulder pain from sleeping on side - #18453

Nisha

I am really dealing with this annoying issue – shoulder pain from sleeping on side has been ruining my nights lately. I never thought sleeping could be so painful, but here we are. It started a few weeks ago; I noticed I’d wake up feeling sore and stiff in my shoulder, especially the right one. The weird thing is, I’ve always slept on my side and thought it was fine, but now I can barely move my arm without feeling this sharp pain. I tried different pillows, like those memory foam ones, but honestly, not much has changed. One night I woke up, and it felt like my shoulder was on fire or something! I thought maybe it would go away on its own, you know? But now it’s like every night it’s a gamble, half hoping I don't wake up in pain. I’m wondering if it's serious or just a result of weird sleeping postures? Could this shoulder pain from sleeping on side be a sign of something worse? I’ve read a few articles online, but they just scratch the surface. I could really use some advice from allopathic doctors on how to manage this or if I should see someone. What do you think?

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Doctors' responses

Shoulder pain from sleeping on your side, especially when it suddenly disrupts sleep or causes sharp pain, can be frustrating. It’s often due to increased pressure on the soft tissues and structures around the shoulder joint, such as tendons and bursae, which can lead to inflammation or, in some cases, an impingement syndrome. Given that this started a few weeks ago and hasn’t improved with simple changes like switching pillows, it’s essential to consider a few practical steps and rule out serious issues. First, changing your sleeping position can make a difference. Try alternating sides and if possible, using a body pillow for better support. Placing a towel roll or small cushion between your torso and shoulder can help keep it stable. Check if your mattress offers enough support, or consider using a firmer one. Gently stretching your shoulders, especially after waking up, can address stiffness. Exercises focused on improving the range of motion and strengthening surrounding muscles can contribute to long-term relief, while over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may help in managing pain temporarily. If the pain persists or escalates, it’s worthwhile to consult with a healthcare provider. They might consider imaging like an X-ray or MRI if they suspect conditions like rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulder. Red flags that require immediate attention include severe pain, inability to move the shoulder, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like swelling, redness, or fever. Although online resources provide general advice, hands-on examination tailored to the individual’s condition can identify underlying causes more effectively, which is crucial for a definitive treatment approach.

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