What Could Cause Severe Shoulder Pain When Moving the Arm Up and Down?

Hello,

Pain inside or around the shoulder when moving your arm up and down can happen for several reasons. The exact cause cannot be confirmed without an examination. Common causes include muscle strain, tendon inflammation, bursitis, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, arthritis, or sometimes a nerve problem coming from the neck.

Possible Causes

• Muscle or tendon strain from lifting, exercise, or repetitive arm movement

• Shoulder tendon inflammation or rotator-cuff-related pain

• Shoulder impingement, especially when pain increases while lifting the arm

• Bursitis, which can cause pain, tenderness or swelling around the shoulder

• Frozen shoulder, particularly when the shoulder is painful and stiff and movement becomes difficult

• Arthritis, especially with increasing age

• A neck-related nerve problem if there is also tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm/hand

What You Can Do at Home

• Avoid heavy lifting and movements that clearly increase the pain.

• Do not completely stop moving the shoulder. Gentle movement can help prevent stiffness.

• Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel for about 15–20 minutes if the pain is recent or there is swelling.

• A warm pack may also provide comfort if the muscles feel tight.

• Maintain good sitting and sleeping posture.

• Do not start heavy gym exercises or forceful shoulder stretching while the pain is present.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. A doctor recommend

1. Pain-relieving medicines when appropriate.

2. Physiotherapy and specific shoulder exercises.

3. Activity modification to reduce movements that are irritating the shoulder.

4. An X-ray or other imaging if the doctor suspects arthritis, injury or another structural problem.

5. In selected cases, an injection may be considered when physiotherapy and other measures are not enough. 

It would be better to consult an orthopaedic doctor if the pain is persistent, worsening, or making it difficult to raise or use your arm.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Get medical attention quickly if :

• You suddenly develop severe shoulder pain.

• You cannot move your arm.

• The shoulder becomes badly swollen or changes shape.

• You have persistent numbness or pins and needles.

• The arm becomes unusually cold or changes colour.

• The pain started after a fall or accident.

• You have fever along with a hot, swollen shoulder.

Also, sudden arm/shoulder pain with chest pressure, heaviness, squeezing, sweating, breathlessness, dizziness, or pain spreading to the jaw/back needs emergency medical attention because it can sometimes be related to a heart problem. 

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth