Why Your Shoulder Hurts at Night: Common Causes and When to See a Specialist
The shoulders are strong joints that allow you to move your arms and lift heavy objects, so when an injury or medical issues occur, it’s challenging to deal with. Shoulder pain that persists at night is especially bothersome when it interrupts essential rest.
If you’re tired of sleepless nights due to shoulder pain, the Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team is here to help. Dr. Brian Snow and Dr. Jon Thompson are two orthopedic surgeons providing treatments for shoulder pain caused by sports injuries, arthritis, and rotator cuff tears.
Causes of shoulder pain at night
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint that holds the upper arm in the shoulder blade. It consists of the humerus, rotator cuff muscles, and ligaments, along with the glenoid cavity and glenoid labrum.
It’s a powerful joint that’s prone to injury, especially in active individuals. An injury or degeneration to the tissues within the joint can lead to pain during the day or at night.
Many issues can cause shoulder pain at night, ranging from acute injuries to long-term wear- and-tear. A few of the prevalent causes of nocturnal shoulder pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Impingement syndrome
- Rotator cuff tears
- Biceps tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Dislocation
- Frozen shoulder
The pain at night may be constant or intermittent and can be severe. Getting comfortable is usually an issue, especially for side-sleepers. A lot of stress also contributes to increased shoulder pain at night.
Other symptoms that signal a problem
Nocturnal shoulder pain isn’t the only symptom that could signal a problem in the shoulder joint. Other symptoms that typically accompany issues that cause nocturnal shoulder pain include:
- Pain that interrupts sleep or activities
- Stiffness that doesn’t resolve
- Tenderness around the joint
- Inability to move the joint
- Weakness
- Grinding or catching sensation
- Deformity or instability
These symptoms range from mild to severe and can impact your daily activities, job, and social life. Getting treatment is essential for shoulder pain that persists despite home measures, especially if it’s affecting your sleep.
Seeking care for nocturnal shoulder pain
Shoulder pain isn’t something to take lightly, especially if it’s causing sleepless nights. It’s essential to receive treatment to prevent further damage to the shoulder and to obtain an accurate diagnosis and care.
Nocturnal shoulder pain that keeps you up several nights a week is a good starting point to seek help. Other signs that signal you need treatment for shoulder pain include the following:
- Pain that’s not getting better with conservative care
- Pain that continues to worsen
- Difficulty getting a good night’s rest
- Redness, swelling, or warmth
- Trouble moving the arm or shoulder
- Obvious deformity
Our team evaluates the pain and orders imaging studies to see in the shoulder joint. When we know exactly what’s causing the pain, we discuss treatment options and make a plan to feel better, including physical therapy and joint injections.
To learn more about our shoulder pain treatments, please call one of our McKinney or Prosper, Texas, offices or contact our team through our website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thompson or Dr. Snow.
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