You Find Yourself asking, Why Am I Waking Up With Shoulder Pain?

At Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, we understand that shoulder pain from sleeping can be a concerning issue, impacting your quality of life. It may not be just about the sleeping position but could also involve other factors. This situation calls for a swift response to mitigate any long-term negative effects. We're here to guide you through understanding this condition better and present simple strategies to help alleviate this discomfort.

The Source of Shoulder Pain in the Morning

What causes shoulder and arm pain from sleeping can be attributed to several physiological causes. 

Such as: 

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder
• Shoulder bursitis
• Rotator cuff injury
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder impingement syndrome

While these can occur irrespective of your sleeping position, poor sleep postures can exacerbate the condition. Our recommendation is always to consult with your trusted healthcare provider before modifying your sleeping habits. It's noteworthy to remember that shoulder pain rarely occurs in isolation; you may also experience issues with other parts of your body such as your upper extremities.

Why Does Sleeping Position Effect Shoulder Pain

Research indicates that sleeping on your side can put a lot of pressure on your shoulder and lead to discomfort. But don't worry - there's hope! Studies show that adjusting your sleeping position can have a significant impact on reducing your shoulder pain. Let's work together to find a more comfortable, pain-free way to sleep.

What Can I Do Differently to Stop Shoulder Pain from Sleeping?

Switching to a more favorable sleep position is one of the simplest solutions to shoulder pain from sleeping on your side. For instance, sleeping on your back with a small pillow nestled between your shoulder blades can make a world of difference.

Here are some tips for transitioning to sleeping on your back:

1. Invest in a supportive mattress designed for back sleeping
2. Use a good pillow to provide adequate neck support
3. Place extra pillows under your knees and/or lower back for added support
4. Consider encircling yourself with pillows to prevent turning
5. If space allows, spread your arms and legs slightly

Say Goodbye to Shoulder Pain: Discover the Benefits of Back Sleeping

Adopting the habit of back sleeping not only can help alleviate shoulder pain but also offers other health benefits:

• Reduces pressure on the spine, neck, and hips
• Helps maintain a neutral spine alignment
• May reduce the risk of developing wrinkles and acne due to decreased contact with the pillow
• May reduce the likelihood of acid reflux since the head is elevated above the stomach
• Promotes better breathing and less snoring by keeping the airway open
• May improve circulation and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins
• Can be a good position for those with certain medical conditions like sleep apnea, back pain, or degenerative disc disease.

Remember, there isn't a one-size-fits-all sleeping position for different shoulder pain issues. The best sleeping position is the one that relieves your shoulder pain most effectively.

At Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, our highly skilled team of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists are ready to address any musculoskeletal injury or condition. We pride ourselves on providing expert medical care in a professional, understanding, and empathetic environment, with numerous locations throughout New Jersey.

You're not alone in this journey - if you're experiencing any discomfort in your muscles, we invite you to contact us today. We're committed to helping you regain the quality of life you deserve.