Shoulder pain after waking up - What should I do?
Shoulder pain after waking up is a common problem that affects many people. This type of pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits your ability to move your arm. There are many different causes of shoulder pain after waking up, and it is important to identify the underlying cause in order to find an effective treatment.
Causes of Shoulder Pain after Waking up
Rotator cuff injury: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Injury to the rotator cuff can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
Frozen shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition causes stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It is more common in people over the age of 40.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder joint, can cause pain and discomfort.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause shoulder pain, especially in the morning.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones can cause pain and limited mobility.
Pinched nerve: A pinched nerve in the neck or shoulder can cause pain that radiates down the arm.
Treatment for Shoulder Pain after Waking up
The treatment for shoulder pain after waking up will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatment options:
Rest and ice: Resting the shoulder and applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve mobility and strength in the shoulder.
Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help relieve pain.
Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the rotator cuff or other structures in the shoulder joint.
Prevention of Shoulder Pain after Waking up
Preventing shoulder pain after waking up can be difficult, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
Maintain good posture: Poor posture can put extra strain on the shoulder joint.
Strengthen the shoulder muscles: Strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder joint can help reduce the risk of injury.
Take breaks from repetitive tasks: If you have a job or hobby that requires repetitive arm movements, take frequent breaks to rest the shoulder.
Sleep on your back or side: Sleeping on your stomach can put extra strain on the shoulder joint.
Should I see a doctor?
Shoulder pain after waking up can be a frustrating and debilitating problem, but it is important to remember that there are effective treatments available.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, schedule a consultation with our physiotherapist to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can reduce your risk of future shoulder pain and improve your quality of life.