Our shoulders go through various stresses and strains throughout the day. Things are worse when we consider poor posture a common bane these days. There are various common causes of shoulder pain, from improper workplace ergonomics to long-distance commutes. However, during the day, when people chase their to-do lists, the pain, which can be nagging at times, gets unnoticed. For most, shoulder pain flares at night leading to disturbed sleep. This pain could be an indication of many conditions, say experts.
Causes of shoulder pain at night
There are various reasons for the shoulder pain and its flare-up at night. The most common one is frozen shoulders, commonly seen in people with diabetes. Thyroid issues and metabolic conditions like high uric acid and high cholesterol can also lead to shoulder pain. Tendinitis of the rotator cuff is another cause.
“At night, the muscle relaxes, and the joint capsule starts contracting, leading to shoulder pain,” says Dr J V Srinivas, lead consultant – orthopedics & joint replacement, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru.
Another reason why shoulder pain aggravates at night is because of the cold environment — air conditioner or high-speed, heavy blow from a fan. If one sleeps without covering their body, it can lead to further contraction of the joint capsule.
“In younger people, the cause of shoulder pain is muscle and capsule tears, especially when involved in sporting activities,” adds Dr Srinivas.
During the day, people do not pay attention even though the pain persists as the focus is on various activities, leading to the assumption that the pain may have subsided. But it recurs at night.
Age can also bring about rotator cuff injuries. “Insidiously and spontaneously rotator cuff tendons can tear. It is common in the elderly [above 50] and those with hormonal issues like thyroid or prior steroid intake due to some other disease,” says Dr Gangu Hiral Shivashankar, consultant – orthopedics, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru.
Apart from extrinsic or intrinsic pain, the compression of the cervical nerves from the cervical spine can cause pain in the shoulder region.
“The shoulder pain does not necessarily mean a problem arising in the shoulder itself. It can be from the surrounding structure that includes the scapular in the back, neck, and brachial nerves,” says Dr Shivashankar.
Sleeping position can cause shoulder strain. The pain is intrinsic to the shoulders and increases while sleeping. For instance, if somebody with pain in the left shoulder falls asleep on the left side (affected area) for a prolonged period, it can aggravate the pain.
If pain occurs at night without any of these conditions or injuries and does not subside in a few days, consult a doctor. It may be a sign of some underlying conditions, say experts.
“If the pain persists and brings difficulties in the daily activities, it is advised to meet their orthopedic surgeon,” says Dr Srinivas.
Ways to treat shoulder pain
A proper clinical examination of the shoulder’s structure, function, and strength of the affected area is the first step. It helps diagnose the cause or type of pain.
Depending on the cause, treatments such as oral medications, physical therapy, strengthening and rehab exercises are advised. Any injury or rupture of tissue around the joint, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery is recommended.
Doing regular exercise will keep that shoulder pain away. One can do strengthening, isometric, and mobilization exercises. If the cause of the shoulder is due to any pre-existing condition, getting the right treatment is recommended.
Takeaways
- Various conditions like frozen shoulders and tendonitis of the rotator cuff cause shoulder pain to flare up at night.
- If the pain is a barrier to daily activities, it is advised to consult a doctor.
- Treatment like oral medications, physical therapy, strengthening and shoulder rehab exercises are advised.
