What could cause pain when moving my arm and shoulder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Arm and shoulder pain is often caused by rotator cuff injuries or Parsonage-Turner syndrome, a rare nerve disorder. Rotator cuff problems typically develop from overuse, aging, or acute injury, while Parsonage-Turner syndrome involves sudden, severe shoulder pain followed by weakness. Identifying the cause early helps guide effective treatment and recovery.

Because arm and shoulder pain has many possible causes—ranging from muscle strain to nerve conditions—it's important to understand your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to gain clarity on what may be causing your discomfort and how to move forward with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing arm shoulder pain See if arm shoulder pain needs care Discover if arm shoulder pain is serious Find OTC options for arm shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder pain Explore home remedies for arm shoulder pain Understand likely causes of your arm pain

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Explanation

Pain in the arm and shoulder can happen for different reasons. One common cause is problems with the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. These muscles help you lift and move your arm. If they get hurt or worn out, it can cause pain, especially when moving your shoulder.

Another possible cause is Parsonage-Turner syndrome. This is a rare condition that affects the nerves in your shoulder and arm. It can cause sudden and severe pain, followed by weakness or even paralysis in the arm.

If you have pain in your arm and shoulder, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI-powered symptom checker and learn about next steps for care.

(References)

Lewis J. (2016). Rotator cuff related shoulder pain: Assessment, .... Manual therapy, 27083390.
Ohta R, & Shimabukuro A. (2017). Parsonage-Turner syndrome in a patient with bilateral .... Journal of rural medicine : JRM, 29255532.
Gaitzsch G, & Chamay A. (1986). Paralytic brachial neuritis or Parsonage-Turner syndrome .... Annales de chirurgie de la main : organe officiel des societes de chirurgie de la main, 3592821.

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