What could cause moving pain in the shoulder and arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Moving pain in the shoulder and arm is often caused by nerve-related conditions such as cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve in the neck) or Parsonage-Turner syndrome (sudden inflammation of shoulder nerves). Both conditions affect the nerves that travel from the neck through the shoulder and down the arm, which is why pain can shift or radiate between these areas. Other possible causes include rotator cuff injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, or referred pain from the spine.

Because shifting shoulder and arm pain can stem from many overlapping conditions, identifying the true source early is key to getting the right treatment and avoiding long-term nerve damage. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your pain and to help you decide on the most appropriate next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing shoulder pain Discover if arm pain needs care See if moving pain signals something serious Find OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder pain Discover medically proven shoulder pain remedies Understand likely causes of your arm pain

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Explanation

Moving pain in the shoulder and arm can happen for a couple of reasons. One common cause is cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when nerves in the neck get pinched or irritated. This can lead to pain that moves down the arm, and sometimes, a special position called the shoulder abduction relief sign can help ease the pain.

Another possible cause is Parsonage-Turner syndrome. This is a condition where a bundle of nerves near the shoulder called the brachial plexus become inflamed, leading to sudden and severe pain. The pain can spread and move around the shoulder and arm. Over time, this can also cause weakness in the shoulder and arm muscles.

Both conditions involve nerve issues, but they affect the body in different ways. If you're experiencing moving pain in your shoulder and arm, our free AI symptom checker can help you understand potential causes and guide you toward appropriate medical care to manage your symptoms effectively.

(References)

Fast A, Parikh S, & Marin EL. (1989). The shoulder abduction relief sign in cervical radiculopathy. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2719545.
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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