What causes pain at the top of the shoulder when raising the arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain at the top of the shoulder when raising your arm is often linked to issues in the neck, such as nerve compression, pinched nerves, or complications following neck surgery. Because the nerves that control shoulder movement originate in the cervical spine, neck-related conditions frequently refer pain to the shoulder, especially during overhead motion.

Identifying the true source of this pain is important, since shoulder symptoms may actually stem from the neck rather than the shoulder joint itself. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective relief and recovery. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your pain and to help you navigate the right next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why your shoulder hurts when lifting Learn if arm-raising pain needs care Find likely causes of shoulder pain See OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder conditions Discover home remedies for shoulder pain Understand if shoulder pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

Pain in the shoulder when lifting the arm might be linked to problems in the neck area. One possible cause is cervical radiculopathy, where nerves in the neck are pinched or irritated, leading to shoulder pain. This is sometimes relieved by certain arm positions.

Another cause of shoulder pain can be complications after neck surgery. Sometimes, surgeries on the neck can lead to nerve injuries that cause pain in the shoulder area.

Lastly, treatments like radiation treatment for certain conditions might also lead to shoulder problems, as they can affect the tissues and nerves around the shoulder and arm.

Understanding these potential causes can help in seeking the right medical advice and treatment. If you're experiencing persistent shoulder pain, consider using a free symptom checker to help identify possible conditions and guide your next steps.

(References)

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