“Right shoulder pain at night--what's causing it?”
I experience pain in my right shoulder, but mainly at night. I do think it's because I sleep on it. But do you also think I could have a pinched nerve in that area?
16 Answers
Rotator cuff tendinitis
The most common source of this type of pain is shoulder tendinitis. Try to take 2 Advil's or one Aleve an hour or 2 before you go to bed. Being sure to take the medication on a full stomach and that you do not have a history of ulcers. If you do, you should take Tylenol extra strength. If you still have difficulty sleeping secondary to pain, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon.
Only if the pain is traveling down your arm would I suspect a neck problem. It could be a rotator cuff issue. If you’re under 50 then it’s not likely rotator cuff. It could be another type of joint problem. You should have it looked at at some point
If you have radiating pain to your arms or hands while sitting upright, it could be related to a cervical (neck) condition. If you're only having these symptoms while lying on your arm or in a different position, it could be poor circulation due to the position. A consultation would be the best option if you continue to have these symptoms.
There can be many many causes of shoulder pain. The most common cause however is something called impingement syndrome. Basically the rotator cuff tendon rubs on the shoulder bone causing pain and stiffness. Try advil, 3 tablets with each meal and try to avoid lifting your elbow above chest level for a couple of weeks. If the pain persists, see an Orthopedic doctor.
Hope it helps,
Dr. Bose
Hope it helps,
Dr. Bose
It's possible to have a pinched nerve but pain lying on a shoulder is often pain derived from the acromioclavicular joint.
Dr. K
Dr. K
While there could be multiple reasons for this, the number one cause of shoulder pain at night is rotator cuff tendon tendon tendonitis, and while some may say it's an impingement syndrome, partial rotator cuff tear/sprain/tendonitis, or impingement syndrome, which are basically the same thing.
The most common reason would be impingement syndrome. Often altering activities to reduce overhead activity will help and on occasion - a steroid injection.
David Ott, MD
David Ott, MD
It depends in where you feel the pain and what causes it. A pinched nerve is less likely. If you experience the pain on the outer (lateral) aspect of the upper arm, it is probably a rotator cuff injury. If it feels deep in the shoulder and there is a click with rotational movements, it may be a labral injury (SLAP tear). If it feels like a burning, shooting, or electrical sensation, or it is associated with numbness or weakness, or radiates from the middle of the neck down the arm, then it may be a pinched nerve.
The best suggestion is to see an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder injuries (shoulder and elbow specialist or sports medicine specialist).
The best suggestion is to see an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder injuries (shoulder and elbow specialist or sports medicine specialist).
Likely from a rotator cuff problem
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Night pain can be problematic. You should have diagnostic testing - X-rays/EMG-NCV test/Possible MRI as indicated. You should seek medical attention.
There are many reasons for night shoulder pain. The most common reason is rotator cuff pain, tendinitis, partial tear, and full tears. You would need to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon to figure out the cause.
It sounds more like there is a problem with your rotator cuff tendon
In medicine, we refer to the possible causes of a condition as the differential diagnosis. The differential diagnosis for shoulder pain is a fairly long list. We can sometimes narrow the list based on location, age, history of injury, activity level and associated symptoms. For example, younger patients tend to have more post traumatic shoulder pain whereas older patients tend to have more degenerative conditions around the shoulder. Pain on the top of the shoulder can be associated with problems around the AC joint, whereas lateral shoulder pain is usually more rotator cuff-related. Anterior shoulder pain can be a labral/biceps problem or arthritis. Shoulder pain commonly radiates to the elbow, but usually does not reach the hand or wrist. Pain that radiates down the arm into the hand or wrist and is associated with numbness and tingling is usually a sign of a "pinched nerve" in the neck. There is some overlap with shoulder and neck pathology, so when being evaluated by your orthopedist, they should do a good neck and shoulder exam on you to help determine if it's coming from your neck, shoulder, or possibly both.
Steven M. DeLuca, DO
Steven M. DeLuca, DO
Not likely. You may have impingement or rotator cuff tendonitis
It is probably not a pinched nerve. Pain in the shoulder when sleeping on it is probably a primary shoulder issue. See your local orthopaedic surgeon for recommendations.
