With the pressure of everyday work, you may randomly experience back or shoulder pain. Such aches are often normalised, treated with basic home remedies, and not given much thought. If you wake up in the morning with shoulder pain, you are also likely to blame it on an awkward sleeping position.
But if the ache keeps returning, persists for a long time, or disrupts your sleep, it may require serious attention. What could night-time shoulder pain indicate? Dr Brajesh Koushle, director and unit head, department of orthopaedics, joint replacement and sports injuries, Yashoda Medicity, Ghaziabad, described why shoulder pain may keep returning. He cautioned that pain that recurs frequently, affects sleep , or is accompanied by stiffness or weakness may indicate an underlying shoulder problem. Rotator cuff problems, including tendinitis or tears, can cause a deep, persistent ache that becomes worse when lying on the affected side. Bursitis can similarly become more painful when the area is compressed during sleep. If night-time pain continues for several weeks, repeatedly disrupts sleep, follows an injury or is accompanied by noticeable weakness or loss of movement, it is advisable to consult an orthopaedic specialist. A clinical examination and, when necessary, imaging such as an X-ray or MRI can help determine the cause.
Dr Koushle said, “Several shoulder conditions can contribute to night-time discomfort.
Ultimately, recurring night-time shoulder pain should not simply be accepted as part of getting older or sleeping awkwardly. Recognising persistent symptoms and seeking timely medical advice can help identify and treat the underlying problem before it affects everyday movement, sleep and quality of life. However, pain that persists irrespective of how you sleep or begins to affect arm movement should not be ignored. Dr Koushle highlighted the following warning signs and potential causes which may mean you need to get it checked by a medical expert:
Because of pressure on the shoulder while sleeping may ease later in the morning or if you change your sleeping position, an occasional ache.
