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Published on: 5/15/2025

What causes shoulder pain that shoots down the arm?

Shoulder pain that shoots down the arm can be caused by nerve issues, such as those related to injuries, arthritis, cancer, or surgery.

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Explanation

Shoulder pain that travels down the arm is often due to nerve problems.

  • Injuries or Degenerative Conditions: Sometimes, injuries or degenerative conditions, like arthrits, can cause pain in the shoulder and arm as they can lead to nerve compression or irritation. This can lead to tingling or shooting pain.

  • Cancer: In some cases, like with breast cancer, the disease or its treatment can cause arm pain. This happens when cancer affects the nerves.

  • Surgery: After surgeries, especially on the neck or spine, nerves can be injured. This might cause pain that starts in the shoulder and moves down the arm.

Understanding the cause of the pain is important to finding the right treatment. If you experience such pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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