What should I do if I can't raise my arm due to shoulder pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Difficulty raising your arm due to shoulder pain can be caused by several underlying conditions, including frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), rotator cuff injuries, or tendonitis. Risk factors include diabetes, thyroid disorders, and previous treatments such as shoulder surgery or radiotherapy, which can lead to stiffness and restricted movement. Because shoulder pain has many possible causes—ranging from mild strain to more serious joint or nerve issues—a proper medical assessment is essential to identify the root cause and guide treatment.

Not sure what's causing your shoulder pain? Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your specific symptoms and medical history. It's a quick, private way to clarify what might be going on and decide your next steps—whether that's home care, seeing a doctor, or seeking urgent evaluation.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of shoulder pain See if arm lifting needs care Find out if shoulder pain is serious Find OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder pain Discover home remedies for shoulder pain Understand what causes your shoulder pain

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Explanation

Shoulder pain that makes it hard to lift your arm can happen for different reasons. Diabetes can cause shoulder problems, making it painful and stiff. This happens because diabetes can affect tissues in the shoulder, leading to conditions like frozen shoulder.

Radiotherapy for cancer can also lead to shoulder and arm issues. This is because the treatment , if performed around the chest or upper arm, can damage tissues and nerves around the shoulder, causing pain and difficulty in movement.

Surgery on the neck or spine might lead to nerve injuries that affect the shoulder. If nerves are hurt during or after surgery, it can lead to pain and problems moving the shoulder.

If you're having trouble moving your arm, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider. To help understand what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free AI-powered symptom checker test that provides personalized insights in minutes. Remember, it's always best to get professional advice for health issues.

(References)

Garcilazo C, Cavallasca JA, & Musuruana JL. (2010). Shoulder manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Current diabetes reviews, 20701586.
Deutsch M, & Flickinger JC. (2001). Shoulder and arm problems after radiotherapy for primary .... American journal of clinical oncology, 11319294.
Joaquim AF, Makhni MC, & Riew KD. (2019). Post-operative nerve injuries after cervical spine surgery. International orthopaedics, 30498911.

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