Published on: 5/15/2025
What causes pain at the top of the shoulder when raising the arm?
Pain at the top of the shoulder when raising the arm can be caused by issues in the neck or problems after neck surgery.
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.
(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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