Our shoulders are the most movable and flexible of our synovial joints. At the same time, the shoulder joint’s stability is compromised to allow its wide range of motion. As a result, pain in the shoulder joint, tendon, ligaments, muscles, or nerves is prevalent, with one in every two US adults experiencing neck, shoulder, or back pain annually.
Typically, the cause is no reason for concern. However, if the shoulder is swollen or disfigured, or the pain is persistent and intense, please seek medical help.
- What Is Shoulder Pain?
- Managing Your Shoulder Pain
- What Is the Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain?
- Protect Your Joints: Source a Pillow With an Arm Hole for Shoulder Pain
- Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Pillow
- What to Consider When Choosing a Pillow With an Arm Hole for Shoulder Pain
- Preventing Shoulder Pain
What Is Shoulder Pain?
Deep pain, typically felt at the top of the arm or in the front of the shoulder. It’s usually only experienced when using the arm or lying on the affected side. Weakness, lack of mobility, pins and needles, tingling, and numbness can accompany it. The pain may also radiate to the neck, head, or arm. It may also be felt as spine or neck pain rather than shoulder discomfort.
Shoulder pain has various causes, usually strain, dislocation, injury, impingements, or dysfunction in one or more of the joint’s several elements. Underlying conditions include inflammation in the joint’s fluid sacs (bursitis) or the shoulder capsule, age or injury-related osteoarthritis, or a frozen shoulder (hardened tissues). Other contributing factors are poor posture, inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis), or overuse of the rotator.
While the root cause of the shoulder pain can be any of these, it is often a combination. One ailment can create another, such as developing bursitis or tendonitis from a torn rotator cuff muscle. Shoulder pain can also be a symptom of diseases such as polymyalgia, rheumatica, and fibromyalgia. It may indicate a heart attack if accompanied by shortness of breath.
Managing Your Shoulder Pain
Pain and the cause usually resolve within a matter of days to weeks. Conservative, mostly self-care can include resting and taping the shoulder, cold and hot applications to ease symptoms, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and pain killers, and strengthening exercises. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend joint replacement, stabilization surgery, or an arthroscopy.
Shoulder pain is best treated holistically, addressing all angles of an individual’s lifestyle. One consistently problematic element is sleeping, with shoulder pain frequently disrupting the quality and quantity of rest, which in turn exacerbates the pain. Beyond interfering with daily tasks, activities, and relationships, pain can be distressing and depressing. Sleeping position – especially side sleeping – and poor posture in bed can worsen or cause pain, even resulting in permanent joint damage.
When side sleeping, much of the torso’s weight is on the shoulder, so back sleeping is optimal. Meanwhile, not everyone feels comfortable in different positions. Finding a pillow to support your shoulder in the side (or other preferred) position can prevent pain. A suitable product should help ease discomfort and leave you feeling rested and energized in the morning.
What Is the Best Pillow for Shoulder Pain?
The most ergonomically sound pillow for shoulder pain is one with an arm hole. This design helps elevate while eliminating compression. A special recess accommodates the shoulder and an arm pocket, the right or left arm. This type of cushion is available in various designs. They usually allow a gradual increase in elevation, with several sections for customized comfort.
Protect Your Joints: Source a Pillow With an Arm Hole for Shoulder Pain
We’ve selected three well-rated options to help you choose the right pillow with an armhole for your shoulder pain.
[amazon table=”8144″ link_id=”9843″]
An “Amazon’s Choice” Neck and Cervical Cushion: Cozyplyer Ultra Pain Relief Cooling Pillow
[amazon box=”B0C1GQ54QD” template=”horizontal” link_id=”9844″ id=”5723″]
This adjustable memory foam support pillow offers an ergonomically hollow contoured design with space for natural arm positions.
It also provides 3D mesh cover technology that reduces skin temperature by five degrees Celsius. Stay cool, dry, comfortable, and supported for less shoulder pain and a better night’s sleep.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Six unique contour zones | Reports of a distinct chemical smell |
| Q-Max 0.4 Arc-Chill cooling pillowcase | Perceived by some as no cooler than any other pillow |
| Adjustable height | It may be too small and not supportive enough for some |
| Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for ergonomic comfort | It may be too soft for some |
| Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for softness and support | Some report a lack of a comfortable fit |
| Obligation-free 100-night trial | It may not be suitable for people with larger frames |
| OEKO-TEX, CertiPUR-US, and ISP certified | |
| User rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars |
Side-Sleeping Bliss: SAHEYER Cervical Pillow
[amazon box=”B0BRQ91GCK” template=”horizontal” link_id=”9845″]
This ergonomically contoured slow-rebound memory foam pillow offers practical orthopedic support for all sleeping positions.
The pillow’s horn design, with its strategically positioned armrest, efficiently lifts and keeps the head at shoulder height for side sleepers. The configuration should help ease or prevent shoulder pain while allowing free movement of the arms in front of the sleeper on either side. Wait 12 to 24 hours for the product to decompress.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Two neck support levels | Reported as not comfortable for side sleeping |
| Comfortable | It may not offer enough support for some |
| Breathable | It may not be suitable for larger people |
| Washable cover | Reports of the pillow failing to expand correctly |
| Climate Pledge-friendly | Some may find it too bulky to be comfortable |
| OKEO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified | |
| User rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars |
Memory Foam Butterfly design: Hearvo Cervical Neck Pillow
[amazon box=”B0CCVN6YLC” template=”horizontal” link_id=”9846″]
This memory foam pillow’s ergonomic hollow butterfly design covers all sleep positions, providing cervical and shoulder support with all-night comfort. Its innovative center cavity design helps contour and cradle to reduce pressure on the head, neck, and shoulders. At the same time, the ingenious armrest feature lets you enjoy sleeping with your arm in a natural and comfortable position.
| What We Like: | What We Don’t Like: |
| Two height options | Reports of flattening too quickly |
| Double-layer quilt fabric cover | It may not be soft enough for some |
| Scores 4.7 out of 5 stars for softness | Some have reported a squishy sound |
| Great value for money | Reports that the pillow may lose shape |
| Perfect support | It may be uncomfortable for some |
| User rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars | Reports of a strong chemical smell |
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Pillow
Waking up with shoulder or neck pain is a sure sign that your pillow is no longer supporting you or helping to align your spine. Other indications include a pillow that’s gone flat enough to fold in half is lumpy, stained, smelly, or does not provide adequate support.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pillow With an Arm Hole for Shoulder Pain
Choosing your pillow is very personal, as your body size, shape, and sleeping position are unique. Besides, there are various factors to consider when exploring what’s available. These include support, firmness, loft, shape, materials,
- Support: Look for a product designed to cradle your head and keep it aligned with your spine, providing space for and reducing pressure on your shoulders.
- Firmness: This feature is the most personal regarding your choice, with options ranging from plush to firm. However, those with shoulder pain should opt for firmer support, yet not too firm, as this may lead to additional stiffness and aches.
- Loft: The pillow’s height or thickness is essential to get right, as proper shoulder support depends on this. For side sleepers, a medium or high loft is best. For everyone else, a lower loft will be more comfortable.
- Shape: Regarding supporting your shoulders, standard rectangular pillows are usually uncomfortable. Orthopedic cushions come in various contoured shapes with varying sizes. Wedge, butterfly, and horn-shaped options, or a full-body pillow, are typically best.
- Materials: The pillow’s supportive qualities depend somewhat on its materials. Options include memory (viscoelastic polyurethane), polyfoam, latex foam, and buckwheat hulls. The only way to know which of these is most comfortable is to try them out. So, look for a brand that offers an obligation-free trial period.
When buying your pillow, remember that it may take up to four weeks to become accustomed to it, especially if you’re used to a flat or lumpy cushion.
Preventing Shoulder Pain
Your new pillow with an armhole or recess for shoulder pain promises to provide a supported head and shoulders with a comfortable arm position and enhanced sleep. Quality sleep is essential in helping you thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally and ease or avoid shoulder discomfort. Good habits to adopt and maintain include staying in shape, improving your posture, and learning safe body mechanics when standing, sitting, bending, lifting, and stretching.
