Are you unable to sleep on your shoulder due to pain? This is a common complaint for those with shoulder pain. And as luck would have it, the shoulder you are more likely to sleep on is the one that most often is the painful one.

Does sleeping on one’s side make them prone to shoulder pain?

Not necessarily, but once a shoulder hurts then sleeping on that side is likely to cause pain. This pain could prevent you from falling asleep or wake you up at night. Sometimes even when you try to avoid sleeping on your preferred painful side.

What is it about sleeping on the affected shoulder that is such a problem?

Well…when sleeping on one’s side, often the shoulder also moves into a relatively elevated and rotated position. This reduces space in the shoulder joint. From there, compression of the joint also occurs.  With this compression causes several things to occur. One, the tissues that are irritated (either muscle or tendon) will become sensitive to the pressure and let you know in the form of pain. And two, the compression also reduces blood flow to the shoulder joint. This reduction of blood flow causes an aching feel as well as limiting healing that can occur. Put all this together and it adds up to a poor nights sleep and continuation of shoulder pain.

So what can be done to solve the shoulder pain when sleeping problem?

There are a few options that a person can try. One, attempt to sleep on their opposite side. Two, when trying to sleep on the other side, prop the sore shoulder on a pillow. Some can find relief in this position. Additionally, you can try putting a pillow behind you to attempt to limit the ability to roll over onto the painful shoulder. Or number three, try sleeping on your back. While none of these may be what you desire, you are more likely to find comfort as opposed to continuing to sleep on the painful shoulder.

How then can I get back to sleeping on my preferred side?

Learn why the shoulder is hurting and then treat the cause. This can be done with the help of a physical therapist. This professional will determine the cause and develop a treatment plan to solve your ailing shoulder complaint.

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