Pain in my left shoulder and arm

Pain that increases when you raise the arm may involve the rotator cuff or tissues beneath the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder impingement, and calcific tendinitis can present with painful overhead movement. A rotator cuff tear can present with weakness after an injury or difficulty lifting the arm. Frozen shoulder can present with progressive stiffness in several directions. Cervical radiculopathy can present with neck-related pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels down the arm. Shoulder osteoarthritis can present with activity-related pain and stiffness.

Avoid heavy overhead lifting and movements that cause sharp pain, but do not keep the shoulder completely still unless a clinician advises it. Use comfortable, gentle range-of-motion movements and support the arm during rest. Cold or warmth wrapped safely may ease symptoms, depending on which feels better. Arrange assessment if pain persists, arm strength is changing, or neck symptoms accompany it. The clinician may compare both shoulders, test the neck and nerves, and assess strength before recommending treatment.

Call emergency services for sudden shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, nausea, or pain spreading to the jaw or back. Seek urgent care after an injury if the shoulder looks out of place, the arm is cold or pale, or you cannot lift or move it. Prompt assessment is needed for new severe weakness, spreading numbness, fever, or a hot swollen joint.

Is the source more likely to be the shoulder, neck, or nerve? How should I protect movement without becoming stiff? What symptoms would mean I should seek urgent help? Do I need imaging or supervised rehabilitation?