Shoulder pain during sleep is common, especially after working out or playing sports. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the body. This joint allows us to move our arms and hands freely.

Shoulder pain during sleeping is also known as nocturnal shoulder pain. It occurs due to inflammation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues around the shoulder joint.

There are basically three causes of shoulder pain that can get worse at night: bursitus (inflammation of the bursa sacs), tendinitis (tendon inflammation) and rotator cuff injuries. Because the inflammation associated with each condition can pull on shoulder joints, especially when compressed (as when lying in bed), it's better to avoid them both. Bursitis in the shoulder feels similar to tendonitis in the elbow, which means it hurts when you move the arm.

The pain can usually start after working out, playing sports or repetitive stress injury from poor posture or overuse. It may come and go over several months. In severe cases, the pain may last for weeks or even longer.

If you have a bursitis issue, then you may want to consider laying on the other side to free the painful shoulder. The painful shoulder should be supported with the cushion in the underarm so the arm does not drop forward causing stress in the shoulder as well. This will allow you to move your arm freely without putting pressure on the inflamed area.

Tendinitis in the shoulder can occur when you do repetitive rotatory action that involves throwing, swinging or lifting. It often occurs in people who play sports such as tennis, golf, baseball, football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and weightlifting. It can also happen to anyone who experiences alot of strain in their work eg carpenters, plumbers, electricians etc.

Rotator cuff injuries are caused by repetitive motions that put stress on the muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint. They include tears of the rotator cuff muscle, tendinitis of the supraspinatus tendon, and impingement syndrome.

Symptoms of rotator cuff injuries include pain in the front of the shoulder, stiffness, swelling, and loss of strength. These symptoms are usually worse at night and improve during the day. Rotator cuff injuries can cause a popping sound when moving the shoulder.

To prevent rotator cuff injuries, try not to do anything that puts pressure on the shoulder joint. Avoid lifting heavy items overhead, sleeping on the opposite direction of the pain and try to move only in pain free direction. Fixing your posture and form in these everyday tasks by taking breaks every hour or two to stretch the shoulder muscles and improve your thoracic mobility.

What is Bursitis?

It’s an inflammation of the bursa sacs in your body.
The bursas are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and protect them from friction.
In most cases, it’s caused by overuse.
Symptoms include pain, swelling, warmth, and redness around the affected joint.

What is Tendonitis?

Tendons are connective tissue that attach muscles to bones.
It's an inflammation of the tendon.
The most common cause is overuse or friction on tendons due to poor posture that is then affected in everyday activities.
Symptoms include pain in the joint, stiffness and swelling.

What is Rotator Cuff Injuries?

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that help stabilize the shoulder joint.
When you use your arm in any way, it can be pulled out of place.
This happens when you lift heavy objects, throw things, repetitive strain, poor posture or do other activities that strains the shoulder complex or an imbalance in the strength of shoulders/ poor alignment in thoracic and cervical spine.
If you have torn your rotator cuff, you may experience pain and difficulty moving your arm.

How to prevent shoulder pain at night

If you suffer from shoulder pain worse at night, then you should try to avoid sleeping on your side. Sleeping on your side puts pressure on your shoulder joint, which may cause pain. Try sleeping on your back instead.

Additionally, to prevent shoulder pain worse at night is to stretch your shoulders regularly. Stretching helps loosen tight muscles and increases blood flow to the area. If you do experience shoulder pain, try ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, and avoid lifting heavy objects.

How to Fix Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain occurs due to various reasons such as trauma from injury, overuse or poor posture. If left untreated, it can cause serious problems. Below are some methods that will help you treat shoulder pain:

1. Ice Packs

Ice packs are one of the best ways to treat shoulder pain. You can apply ice directly to the painful areas or wrap ice packs with towels and keep them near your bed.

2. Warm Up

Warming up before exercising is important. If you don't warm up properly, you run the risk of injuring yourself.

Start by doing gentle stretches and exercises to loosen up your muscles. Stretching helps prevent injuries and improves flexibility. Stretches should be done slowly and gently so that you don't cause any damage.

3. Use Proper Form

When performing an activity, always use proper form. Improper form can lead to injury. For example, when lifting weights, hold them close to your chest. Don't lift them above your head. Also, when using a bench press machine, make sure to keep your elbows tucked in towards your sides.

4. Avoid Excessive Force

Use your own judgment when determining whether or not to exert excessive force. Excessive force can result in injury.

Shoulder pain during sleep is common among people who play sports or work out regularly. It may also occur with certain injuries such as rotator cuff tears, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, fractures, muscle strains, and more. Our team at LJ Chiropractic, Courtney, Sophia and Li Jen are experts when it comes to shoulder conditions. We believe preventative chiropractic care and management prior to pain determines the longevity of joint movement and prevents injuries occurring, allowing you to lead an active lifestyle. LJ Chiropractic offers tailored treatment options to accommodate the varied needs of our patients. Contact us now for your shoulder physical examination!