At night, are you tossing and turning in bed because of persistent shoulder pain? Shoulder pain is just one symptom of several bone and joint conditions. These include rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, bursitis, and arthritis. Whatever the cause, your shoulder pain can disrupt your sleep.
In this informational blog, we will examine the treatment options for your rotator cuff, the most common site of injury related to shoulder pain. Plus, we will look at ways to sleep well even if your shoulder hurts.
What Causes Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Overuse or repetitive strain (heavy lifting or repeatedly reaching or throwing)
- Poor posture, especially as you use your computer or laptop
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other trauma
- Degenerative conditions, such as arthritis and bursitis
Most often, people seek treatment for shoulder pain from a rotator cuff injury. This very common orthopedic condition consists of damage to the muscles and tendons that support and move the shoulder joint.
The shoulder joint rotates through a full 360 degrees of motion. It lifts the arm, swings it, lifts and carries heavy objects, and more. The tendons in the rotator cuff, while versatile and strong, can tear and fray more easily than you may realize.
Other common causes of shoulder pain include bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint and facilitate movement. Also very painful is a frozen shoulder in which the shoulder joint stiffens and becomes difficult to move. Finally, some people experience painful shoulder dislocations due to hard impact or degenerative conditions.
Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries
There are several options for rotator cuff repair. Your orthopedic specialist will determine which one is best for you. Your in-office consultation will include an examination of your shoulder, state-of-the-art imaging, and a discussion of your desired therapeutic goals.
The most commonly prescribed treatment is physical therapy. Physical therapy involves targeted exercises and other modalities designed to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint and to improve its flexibility. Physical therapy can reduce painful inflammation and restore shoulder strength, range of motion, and the ability to lift and reach.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a torn rotator cuff. This typically involves reattaching tendons or removing damaged tissue. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks to months and also requires a program of physical therapy afterward.
At the Bone & Joint Center, our board-certified providers offer qualified patients small-incision arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff. The affected tendons may be sutured back in place with special anchors to improve stability and speed healing.
How to Sleep Well in Spite of Shoulder Pain
Sleep position makes a world of difference when it comes to painful, aching joints. In particular, your shoulder joint can hurt even more if you sleep on your back.
If that is your preferred position, support your affected arm and shoulder with a pillow or folded blanket. The joint will experience less stress and tension, and you will get your much-needed rest.
Another position that can work well is sleeping on the unaffected side. Keep the painful shoulder up, with the deltoid muscle facing the ceiling. Support the affected forearm and hand with a pillow or folded blanket.
Additionally, before you go to bed, stretch the sore shoulder and/or take a warm shower. Both activities will loosen your muscles.
Finally, check the bedroom temperature. If it is not too hot or too cold, you will move around less during the night. You and your painful shoulder will get proper rest.
Rotator Cuff Treatment with Your Orthopedic Surgeon in Bismarck, ND
At the Bone & Joint Center, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons offer a wide range of surgical and non-operative treatments for both the upper and lower extremities. If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain which is ruining your sleep, please contact us for an expert consultation.
We can help you with rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, shoulder joint dislocation, and other acute and chronic conditions.
Please call us at (800) 424-2663 for an appointment at one of our 11 locations. You also may request your visit online here. We hope to hear from you soon!
