How to Get Rid Of Shoulder Pain After Waking Up?
How to Get Rid Of Shoulder Pain After Waking Up?
Waking up from bed can be challenging on some days, but waking up with an aching shoulder is not pleasant at all. Shoulder pain might interfere with your mood, range of motion, and everyday activities. However, this discomfort, often attributed to poor sleep posture, can stem from several other underlying causes. It can be due to muscle strain and inflammation or a more serious condition.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore ways to relieve pain from shoulder after waking up. As a result, by understanding the root causes and implementing appropriate strategies, you can regain control over your mornings and enjoy a pain-free start to your day.
Understanding the Root Cause
Many people wonder, “Why do my shoulder blades hurt when I wake up”? While it can happen for a number of reasons, it is important to understand the root cause of the issue. It can be as simple as sleeping in the wrong position or as complex as having developed a serious medical condition. So, let’s find out about these causes below:
Poor Sleep Posture: According to national library sleeping on your side with your arm positioned awkwardly can strain your shoulder muscles and joints.
Mattress and Pillow Issues: An unsuitable mattress or pillow can misalign your spine and create pressure points, leading to shoulder discomfort.
Overuse Injuries: Repetitive overhead activities or strenuous exercise can inflame shoulder tissues, causing pain that worsens during rest.
Also read: Neck and shoulder pain causes
Other Causes of Morning Shoulder Pain
While poor sleep posture is a common culprit, several specific conditions can contribute to waking up with sore shoulders and neck:
Rotator Cuff Issues: The rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint. Inflammation or rips in these tissues can cause considerable discomfort, particularly while sleeping on the afflicted side. Symptoms may include weakness, a restricted range of motion, and a clicking or popping feeling.
Bursitis: The fluid-filled sacs known as bursae serve as joint cushions. These sacs can become inflamed and develop bursitis, usually as a result of overuse or repeated actions. Moreover, shoulder bursitis can cause sharp pain, tenderness, and stiffness, particularly when sleeping on the affected shoulder.
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can both impair shoulder joint function and cause discomfort, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Furthermore, morning stiffness is a common symptom of arthritis, often worsening with rest.
Cervical Spine Problems: Neck pain can radiate into the shoulder, causing discomfort when sleeping. Conditions like disc herniation or spinal stenosis can contribute to this referred pain.
Psychological Factors: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension, including in the shoulder area. However, this tension can worsen during sleep, resulting in morning pain.
Symptoms of Shoulder Pain from Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your side can aggravate pre-existing shoulder issues or lead to the development of new ones. Therefore, the following are some common symptoms associated with shoulder pain from sleeping on the side:
Dull ache: This is the most common symptom often felt in the shoulder.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving your shoulder freely, especially upon waking up.
Reduced range of motion: Inability to lift your arm fully or reach behind your back without pain.
Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch around the shoulder joint.
Sharp pain: This might point to a more serious problem, such as bursitis or a rotator cuff rupture.
Numbness or tingling: These feelings may manifest if your upper back or neck is the source of the pain.
Essentially, these symptoms may also serve as indicators of other problems related to the shoulder. It is imperative that you speak with a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Effective Remedies for Shoulder Pain
It is infuriating to wake up each day with shoulder pain. Therefore, it’s critical to be aware of if you have an ongoing medical condition. However, below are some strategies you can try to find relief and healing:
Optimize Your Sleep Environment
Mattress and Pillow Selection: Purchase a supportive pillow and mattress to prevent pressure spots and straighten your spine. Try various pillow heights and firmness levels to discover the ideal combination for your body.
Sleep Position: While sleeping on your back is often recommended, find a position that minimizes shoulder strain. For instance, consider using pillows to support your neck and shoulders.
Reduce Sleep Disruptions: Ensure your sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool to promote restful sleep and reduce muscle tension.
Gentle Movement and Stretching
Morning Routine: Incorporate gentle shoulder stretches and exercises into your morning routine to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Shoulder Rolls: Perform slow, circular motions with your shoulders to loosen tight muscles.
Arm Circles: Gently swing your arms in small circles forward and backward to increase your range of motion.
Cat-Cow Pose: This yoga pose helps stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back and shoulders.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Topical Creams: Applying a topical analgesic lotion to the afflicted region can provide temporary relief.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat: To ease tense muscles and enhance blood flow, use a warm compress or have a hot shower.
Cold: To dull the pain and minimize inflammation, apply an ice pack covered in a piece of cloth.
At-Home Self-Care
Massage: To reduce stress and enhance circulation, give your shoulder muscles a light massage.
Rest and Relaxation: Prioritize rest to allow your body time to heal.
Over-the-Counter Supports: Consider using a shoulder brace or support pillow to provide additional stability and reduce strain.
However, remember, these remedies offer temporary relief. If your shoulder pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
When to Seek Professional Help
Although modest shoulder pain can typically be relieved at home with home remedies, some circumstances call for a trip to the doctor. Seek medical attention if you experience the following:
Persistent pain: Any pain or issue with mobility lasting longer than 2 to 3 weeks despite self-care measures.
Severe pain: Intense, debilitating pain that interferes with daily activities.
Weakness: A noticeable weakened arm or shoulder, which renders it challenging to carry out easy duties.
Numbness or tingling: Your hand or arm may feel numb or tingly.
Limited range of motion: Issues with shoulder mobility.
Visible swelling or deformity: Noticeable swelling or a change in the shape of your shoulder joint.
Night pain: Shoulder pain that wakes you up from sleep or significantly disturbs your sleep.
Shoulder pain accompanied by fever or chills: These can be indicative of a serious infection.
Recent injury: A fall or other trauma that resulted in shoulder pain.
Underlying medical conditions: You might need to get your shoulder pain further evaluated if you have diabetes, thyroid issues, or arthritis.
Get In Touch With A Pain Specialist Now
Most of the time, a medical expert can correctly identify the underlying reason for your shoulder discomfort and suggest the right course of therapy. These can include physical therapy, medication, or, in some cases, surgery.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, waking up with shoulder pain every day can be a bothersome experience, but with the right approach, you can find relief and prevent future discomfort. It is important to develop an understanding of the underlying causes and relevant remedies to enjoy pain-free mornings. If you or a loved one experiences persistent pain, consult Dr. Faheem Abbasi at New Jersey Pain, Spine & Sports Associates. Our center is well-equipped to diagnose and treat chronic pain conditions effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fastest way to cure shoulder pain?
Combining short-term relief with long-term fixes is frequently the fastest route to shoulder pain alleviation. Over-the-counter painkillers and the use of cold packs to decrease inflammation can provide immediate relief. For long-lasting improvement, though, the root problem must be addressed. Gentle stretches, maintaining good posture, and potentially seeking professional help like physical therapy are essential steps toward long-term pain relief.
How long does shoulder pain last after waking up?
The underlying reason and degree of shoulder discomfort determine how long it lasts after waking up. For mild cases, the discomfort may subside within a few hours as the body warms up. A continuity or increase in pain may be indicative of a critical issue that requires timely intervention from a doctor. If the pain is severe or doesn’t get better, it is best to speak with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How do I prevent shoulder pain from sleeping?
Preventing shoulder pain while sleeping involves creating a supportive sleep environment and maintaining good sleep posture. One needs to understand the role the right kind of pillow and mattress play in spinal alignment during sleep. One way to avoid tension is to support your shoulder and neck with a pillow when you sleep on your side or back. Additionally, avoiding sleeping in positions that put excessive pressure on your shoulder joint can reduce the risk of morning discomfort.