The Link Between Your Bed and Shoulder Pain

Do you sometimes wake up with a sore shoulder? The problem could be related to your sleep position or mattress. 

However, shoulder pain that doesn’t resolve could be a sign of a rotator cuff injury, bursitis, or another condition that needs medical treatment. 

If you continue to have unexplained shoulder pain, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are the experts you need to see to get to the root of your problem. 

Here’s what to consider if your sore shoulder stems from a sleep issue. 

Your mattress 

Most hotels invest in high-quality mattresses because if you don’t get a good night’s sleep when you’re there, you most likely won’t stay at that hotel chain again. Have you invested in a mattress that provides you with quality sleep at home? 

Think about it. How old is your mattress? If it’s approaching the decade mark, unless it’s a specialty brand with a guarantee, it’s worn out. A sagging mattress can move your spine out of alignment, causing pain in your joints, including your shoulder joint. 

The type of mattress you need depends in part on your sleep position.

Back sleepers do well with a firm or medium-firm mattress and a pillow underneath the knees to relieve pressure on the back. But if you’re a side sleeper with a firm mattress, your shoulder may dig into it to the point that a painful pressure point develops. 

Your sleep position and pillow

If you’re a side sleeper and wake up with shoulder pain, make sure the space between your head and your neck is fully supported. You need a thicker pillow to ensure your neck has adequate support. You can purchase special side sleeper cervical pillows with proper support. 

Do you sleep with one arm under your shoulder to try to help support it? You’ll likely wake up with pain between your neck and your shoulder. You’ve put undue pressure on your muscles and tendons. 

As a side sleeper, you’re more prone to having spinal misalignment than if you sleep on your back. Try supporting your shoulder and arm with a body pillow to help keep the shoulder in a neutral position. 

Side sleepers can also help ease pressure on the shoulder by rotating from side to side during the night. 

If you have persistent shoulder pain, call Alpine Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or request an appointment through our online portal today. Our friendly team is happy to answer any of your questions.