What causes pain in the shoulder joint that radiates down the arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shoulder pain that radiates down the arm is often caused by shoulder joint issues (like rotator cuff injuries or impingement) or by nerve compression in the neck (such as a pinched cervical nerve). In some cases, the brain amplifies pain signals, making discomfort feel more intense than the underlying injury suggests. Identifying the true source—shoulder, neck, or nerve—is key to finding relief.

Because the causes vary widely and treatments differ, guessing can delay recovery. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's driving your pain and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why shoulder and arm pain happens Learn if shoulder pain needs urgent care Find out what’s causing your arm pain See OTC options for shoulder pain relief Find a doctor for shoulder joint pain Understand home remedies for shoulder and arm pain Check if your pain could be serious

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Explanation

Pain in the shoulder that radiates down the arm can be caused by different things. It might come from shoulder problems like injuries or wear and tear. Some common shoulder issues that cause this kind of pain include rotator cuff problems or shoulder impingement. When the shoulder hurts, it can make the rest of the arm hurt too.

Another possible cause is the neck. Sometimes, problems in the neck, like a slipped disc, can cause pain that feels like it starts in the shoulder and goes down the arm. This is because the nerves in the neck connect to the shoulder and arm.

Additionally, how we feel pain can be affected by our brain. Sometimes, the brain makes pain feel worse. This is called central sensitization. It means that the body feels pain more strongly than it usually would. This can happen with shoulder pain, making it feel like it spreads down the arm more.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain radiating down your arm, use our free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your symptoms and whether you should seek medical attention.

(References)

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.
Pateder DB, Berg JH, & Thal R. (2009). Neck and shoulder pain: differentiating cervical spine .... Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances, 19995495.
Gwilym SE, Oag HC, Tracey I, & Carr AJ. (2011). Evidence that central sensitisation is present in patients .... The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume, 21464489.

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