Bucharest — May 8,2024 —
do you wake up with shoulder pain? This article explores how sleeping positions often lead to shoulder conflict syndrome,a condition where the shoulder’s internal space narrows,causing pain and potential long-term issues. The piece delves into the mechanics of shoulder impingement, highlighting the 5 Ws—what it is, who it affects, when it occurs (mostly at night), where the pain originates, and why it matters.lim Hyun-gyu’s expert insights provide valuable context. Learn how to achieve better sleep in your position and stay well.
The Sleeper’s Shoulder: how Hurried Positions Can Lead to Rotator Cuff Damage
Understanding Shoulder Conflict Syndrome
Do you experience shoulder pain, especially at night? Your sleeping position might be to blame. Shoulder conflict syndrome, also known as shoulder impingement, occurs when the space inside the shoulder narrows, causing bones, muscles, and tendons to press against each other. This repeated pressure can lead to inflammation and, if left untreated, serious damage such as rotator cuff tears.
The Link Between Sleeping Positions and Shoulder Pain
Many individuals with shoulder conditions, such as frozen shoulder or calcific tendinitis, experience “night pain,” disrupting their sleep.Finding a comfortable position can be challenging, often requiring the use of a towel under the shoulder to alleviate pressure on the joint. severe pain may occur even with minimal arm movement.
Though, it’s crucial to note that comfort in certain positions can also be a red flag.If you find relief onyl when your arm is raised, it could indicate an underlying musculoskeletal disorder.
The livelit attitude is uncomfortable because the muscles between the neck and the shoulders are shorter when the arms are lifted together and the muscles between the neck and the shoulders are shorter.
Lim Hyun-gyu,Head of the Joint Center,Suwon Nari Hospital
The Mechanics of Shoulder Impingement
Prolonged periods in certain sleeping positions can place undue stress on shoulder muscles. This can lead to muscle imbalances and increased pressure on blood vessels and nerves,such as the subclavian nerve and artery,located beneath the clavicle. Furthermore, lifting the shoulder bones and arms during sleep can cause the rotator cuff and bones to collide, possibly triggering inflammation in the tendon.
The Risk of Rotator Cuff Tears
Ignoring shoulder conflict syndrome can have serious consequences.As Lim Hyun-gyu warns, If you leave this shoulder collision syndrome, it can lead to severe damage, such as rotator cuff rupture.
A rotator cuff tear can significantly limit mobility and cause chronic pain.
Treatment Options for Shoulder Conflict Syndrome
Fortunately, various treatment options are available for shoulder conflict syndrome. Thes include:
- Injection Therapy: direct injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve shoulder joint mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Shoulder Joint Arthroscopy: In severe cases, minimally invasive surgery using an endoscope to diagnose and treat the condition.
Shoulder joint arthroscopy involves inserting a small camera into the affected area to visualize the inside of the joint on a high-resolution monitor. This allows surgeons to expand the space around the shoulder bone, relieving pressure on the rotator cuff muscles. The minimally invasive nature of this procedure makes it suitable for a wide range of patients, including those with chronic conditions, and offers a faster recovery period.
Prevention is Key
Adopting proper sleeping posture is crucial for preventing shoulder problems and slowing down the progression of degenerative diseases. As Lim Hyun-gyu emphasizes, Incorrect sleeping posture can cause shoulder diseases and can accelerate the time of degenerative disease, so you need to make the right posture even when you sleep in addition to everyday life.
