Rotator Cuff and Night Pain: What to Do?
Rotator Cuff injuries are a common source of discomfort, especially at night. It affects patients’ sleep quality.
Have you ever found someone tossing and turning, plagued by relentless shoulder discomfort? Rotator Cuff injuries are a real pain, especially at night when the body seeks solace and rest.
But don’t let this condition steal precious sleep.
Poor sleeping positions and the body’s natural physiological processes often exacerbate this condition. It includes fluctuations in cortisol, a hormone that acts as a natural pain reliever.
In cases where night pain persists despite medical intervention, surgical options need to be considered. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, an award-winning orthopedic surgeon with 30+ years of experience, offers comprehensive care for managing Rotator Cuff injuries. He provides both non-surgical and surgical solutions.
Why Does a Rotator Cuff Injury Cause Night Pain?
The Rotator Cuff has four tendons that help stabilize and move the shoulder. Whether caused by trauma, overuse, or aging, tearing these tendons results in reduced mobility and strength. Night pain is common and can often be linked to long biceps tendinitis. This condition frequently occurs alongside rotator cuff tears.
Several factors contribute to why this pain is more noticeable at night:
- Sleep Position: Certain positions pinch the tendons like lying on the affected shoulder. This happens between the upper arm bone (humerus) and a bone at the top of the shoulder (acromion).
- Cortisol Levels: Cortisol is a natural pain reliever secreted by the body in cycles. It decreases at night, making it harder to manage pain. This is why rotator cuff discomfort often worsens during sleep.
How to Manage Rotator Cuff Night Pain?
- Optimal Sleep Position: To reduce strain on the shoulder, sleep on the back. Side-sleeping is avoided, particularly on the affected shoulder. Sleeping on the stomach is also not advised. As it strains the shoulder by positioning the arm awkwardly.
- Medical Treatment: The first step is usually pain relievers like acetaminophen. For more severe cases, stronger medications like codeine, tramadol, or NSAIDs are prescribed. These are often combined with proton pump inhibitors to protect the stomach.
- Surgical Treatment:
When conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain, surgical intervention is considered. However, not all Rotator Cuff injuries are suitable for surgery. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery.
Arthroscopic techniques aim to reattach the affected tendons to the humerus. This procedure is done after careful evaluation. It includes the patient’s condition, pain severity, and functional impairment.
Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon. This allows for precise tendon reattachment with less damage to surrounding tissues. The recovery time is shorter compared to open surgery. Less postoperative pain and scarring are observed. Physical therapy is advised after surgery to restore shoulder strength and mobility.
Why Choose Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine for Your Orthopedic Care?
Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He trained extensively in France and at the Mayo Clinic in the USA. Now based in Dubai, he specializes in treating complex orthopedic conditions, including Rotator Cuff injuries.
- 🩺 Expertise You Can Trust: With decades of experience, Marouane has helped countless patients regain mobility and live pain-free.
- 🌍 Global Experience: His training in Europe and the USA gives him a unique understanding of the latest orthopedic treatments.
- 🔍 Comprehensive Care: From diagnosis to recovery, Dr. Marouane ensures each patient receives the highest level of care.
- 🏥 State-of-the-Art Facility: His clinic is equipped with the latest technology for both non-surgical and surgical treatments.
- 📝 Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient’s needs are different. Dr. Marouane tailors treatment plans to meet each individual’s goals.
Conclusion
Night pain from Rotator Cuff injuries disrupts life. But with the right care, relief is possible. Simple changes like sleep positioning and medical management help. In some cases, expert surgical intervention is needed.
Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine is a trusted orthopedic specialist in Dubai. His global expertise ensures you’re in safe hands on the path to recovery.
“Don’t let pain steal your nights, take charge today.”
Contact Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine for expert advice and a treatment plan tailored to you.