We hope to wake each day feeling rested and refreshed, but for many, their first movements each morning are uncomfortable. If you are waking up with shoulder discomfort most mornings, you’re not alone. A number of different shoulder issues could be contributing to your discomfort, and you don’t just need to accept that pain is part of your morning routine. In today’s blog, we explore some conditions that can lead to morning shoulder discomfort, and we share some treatment techniques to help you overcome these painful issues.
Causes Of Shoulder Pain
Waking up with shoulder pain doesn’t always mean that you’re dealing with a shoulder condition that requires physician attention. If you slept in a poor position or on an unsupportive mattress, other factors may be to blame. However, if you’re regularly waking up with shoulder discomfort despite sleeping in a comfortable position on a supportive mattress, you may be dealing with one of the following issues:
- Torn Rotator Cuff – Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help to keep your shoulder in its socket. Some fraying or microtearing is normal as you get older, but if you’ve developed more significant tears as a result of injury or repetitive stress, your shoulder may not be secure in the socket, and it can shift or be stressed while you sleep, leading to morning discomfort.
- Bursitis – Another condition that can present with morning shoulder pain is bursitis. Your shoulder bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion and lubricate soft tissues so that normal movements can be performed with ease. In patients with bursitis, these bursae become inflamed, leading to swelling and discomfort in the shoulder region.
- Impingement – Shoulder impingement occurs when tissues near the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated by nearby bone or tissue. Your shoulder tendons can become impinged following an injury or the formation of bone spurs, which limit space for the tendon to move. Pressure on the area while sleeping can lead to morning stiffness and discomfort with first movement.
- Osteoarthritis – Arthritic degeneration can occur in any joint, but it can be especially common in the most mobile joint in your body – the shoulder. If the protective cartilage that facilitates healthy movement breaks down, bones can rub against one another, causing pain. After being in a comfortable position for an extended period, the first movements of your shoulder can be jarring.
Preventing And Treating Morning Shoulder Pain
If you suspect that one of these conditions is contributing to your morning shoulder pain, know that you have options and that you don’t just have to deal with discomfort each morning. Dr. Holloway and his team would be more than happy to provide you with an individualized assessment so that we can get to the bottom of your shoulder pain and set you up with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. You can also try some of these techniques to help alleviate morning shoulder discomfort:
- Gentle Stretching – Before you get out of bed, sit up and do a couple minutes of gradual stretching to slowly transition the joint and supportive soft tissues from an inactive to an active state. Help your shoulder joint ease into stress by performing some stretches before you get out of bed.
- Strength Training – You can work to prevent morning shoulder pain by taking some steps to make your shoulder stronger and more flexible during the day. Do some light upper body exercises that strengthen the area and improve overall shoulder stability. We’d be happy to cultivate a strength training program based on your abilities and restrictions.
- Heat – Finally, you can help to alleviate some morning discomfort by using heat to your advantage. A heating pad or a hot shower can help to open up blood vessels and boost circulation, bringing healthy blood and nutrients to your shoulder region. Increased blood flow can help to make movements more comfortable as the soft tissues in the area have access to oxygenated blood.
If you want some hands-on assistance overcoming your shoulder pain, or you want help with a different shoulder problem, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
