What could be causing pain in my left shoulder and arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Left shoulder and arm pain has many possible causes, including muscle strains, rotator cuff injuries, tendon inflammation, pinched nerves, or referred pain from the neck or heart. Because symptoms can range from minor to serious, an accurate diagnosis is essential to guide treatment and rule out urgent conditions.

Since causes vary widely, the fastest way to understand what may be behind your pain is to take a free, instant, AI-powered symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights into possible conditions and clear guidance on your next steps—so you can decide with confidence whether to see a doctor, seek urgent care, or monitor at home.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Find likely causes of left shoulder pain Learn if left arm pain needs care See whether shoulder pain could be serious Explore OTC relief for shoulder and arm pain Find a doctor for shoulder and arm pain Discover safe home remedies for shoulder pain Understand what is causing your shoulder pain

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Explanation

Pain in the left shoulder and arm can arise from different causes. According to the studies provided, common reasons include injuries to the muscles or tendons, inflammation, or issues with the nerves.

Possible Causes:

Injuries:

Injuries like sprains or strains can affect the shoulder and arm.
Overuse or sudden movements may lead to these injuries.

Inflammation:

Conditions like bursitis or tendinitis involve inflammation of the shoulder components.
These conditions can cause persistent pain and discomfort.

Nerve Problems:

Nerve compression or irritation can lead to pain radiating from the shoulder to the arm.
This can be due to conditions like a pinched nerve.

What to Do:

It's important to see a healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of the pain. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment that provides personalized insights based on your specific situation. Depending on the cause, treatments may include rest, physical therapy, or medication to reduce inflammation and pain. Please note that if the pain does not change depending on movement of the shoulder or neck, or if you have personal or strong family history of heart disease, you should seek immediate medical attention as left sided shoulder pain can sometimes indicate an emergent heart condition requiring treatment.

(References)

Meislin RJ, Sperling JW, & Stitik TP. (2005). Persistent shoulder pain: epidemiology, pathophysiology, .... American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.), 16450690.
Holmes RE, Barfield WR, & Woolf SK. (2015). Clinical evaluation of nonarthritic shoulder pain: Diagnosis .... The Physician and sportsmedicine, 25622930.
Bayam L, Ahmad MA, Naqui SZ, Chouhan A, & Funk L. (2011). Pain mapping for common shoulder disorders. American journal of orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.), 22013572.

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