Suggest Treatment For Severe Shoulder Pain

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I wake in the middle of the night with aching shoulder pain and can't get comfortable again until I get up.
Different mattresses and different pillows doesn't seem to help. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be due to improper posture during sleep

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through the description. You are probably sleeping on one side and are having pain in the shoulder on which you are sleeping (the dependant side). Please confirm if that is the case. If indeed that is the case, the problem is postural. You may try sleeping in prone position with a pillow on one side of your chest, such that the weight of the body does not directly come on your shoulder or your chest.

Also use hot compress. That should provide relief.

You may chest a X-Ray of your shoulder - AP and lateral done to confirm if you have joint stiffness.

You may consult a physical therapist and learn some simple exercises that would provide relief.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad