How to Sleep With a Pinched Nerve in the Shoulder Blade

A pinched nerve in the shoulder blade can feel like a sharp sting or a constant ache that radiates into your neck, arm, or chest.

It may also cause tingling in the shoulder or even numbness. This discomfort is typically caused by compression or inflammation around the nerves, often from poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or a slipped disc.

While treatment varies, quality sleep plays a crucial role in recovery.

Best Sleeping Positions for Shoulder Nerve Pain Relief

Sleeping with a pinched nerve requires intentional positioning. Avoid lying on the affected side. Instead:

• Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees and a small rolled towel under the affected shoulder to reduce pressure.
• If you’re a side sleeper, sleep on the opposite side and hug a body pillow to keep your shoulder relaxed.
• Use an orthopedic pillow that supports the neck and maintains spinal alignment to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Practical Home Remedies and Daily Adjustments

• Apply cold or warm compresses: Cold reduces inflammation, while heat relaxes tight muscles around the nerve.
• Gentle stretching or yoga: Helps improve mobility and reduce tension around the nerve.
• Correct your posture: Slouching and hunching can aggravate nerve compression. Ergonomic chairs and lumbar supports help during the day.

How to Treat a Pinched Nerve in Shoulder

Treating a pinched nerve involves more than pain relief.

Options include:

• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles.
• Anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed.
• Chiropractic care or massage therapy for muscle tension relief.

In some chronic cases, nerve blocks or surgery may be necessary (consult a specialist).

Signs and Symptoms to Watch

Early recognition of symptoms allows for faster healing.

Common signs of a pinched nerve in shoulder include:

• Sharp or burning pain near or under the shoulder blade.
• Tingling in the shoulder blade or radiating to your fingers.
• Muscle weakness in the arm.
• Worsening pain when turning your head or sleeping in certain positions.

Final Thoughts

Consistent pain in your shoulder blade shouldn’t be ignored. Sleep smarter, use supportive bedding, stretch daily, and improve posture. With the right approach, a pinched nerve doesn’t have to steal your nights.

FAQs

Q. How do you get rid of a trapped nerve?

A. Use cold/heat therapy, rest, improve posture, and do light stretches. If symptoms persist, consult a physical therapist.

Q. What causes tingling in the shoulder blade?

A. Often, it’s nerve compression due to poor posture, repetitive strain, or inflammation in the spine.

Q. Can sleeping position worsen a pinched nerve?

A. Yes. Sleeping with poor support or on the affected side can intensify the pressure and inflammation.