Unable to lift your arm above your shoulder

Do not repeatedly force the arm through sharp pain. How the problem began, whether someone else can move the arm farther, and whether there is true weakness help a clinician narrow the cause.

Pain during a particular arc can occur with irritated rotator-cuff tissues or shoulder impingement. Marked stiffness in several directions can accompany frozen shoulder or arthritis. Sudden weakness after a fall or forceful movement raises concern for a tendon tear.

Neck pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness extending down the arm may indicate irritation of a nerve in the neck. Examination is needed because different shoulder and neck problems can feel similar.

Temporarily reduce overhead lifting and movements that trigger sharp pain, while keeping the elbow, wrist, and hand moving. Gentle shoulder movement within a comfortable range may limit guarding; stop if symptoms clearly worsen.

Arrange an assessment if motion is not improving, sleep is repeatedly disturbed, or everyday tasks such as dressing and reaching a shelf remain difficult. Note any injury, neck symptoms, fever, swelling, and the movements you can and cannot perform.

Seek urgent medical care after a significant injury if the shoulder looks deformed, the arm cannot be used, or the hand becomes cold, pale, blue, numb, or increasingly weak. Fever with a hot, red, swollen shoulder also needs prompt assessment.

Call emergency services for shoulder or arm discomfort accompanied by chest pressure, severe breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the jaw or back.

Ask whether the limitation comes mainly from pain, joint stiffness, tendon weakness, or a neck nerve; whether imaging would change care; which movements are safe; and what signs should prompt reassessment.