Weak left arm with shoulder pain

Pain during lifting or reaching may occur with Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, Shoulder Impingement or a Rotator Cuff Tear. A stiff shoulder with steadily restricted movement can fit Frozen Shoulder, while deep aching and grinding may occur with Shoulder Osteoarthritis. Calcific Tendinitis can cause intense shoulder pain and marked difficulty moving. Cervical Radiculopathy may send pain from the neck into the arm and add tingling or weakness. The location, onset, range of motion and whether weakness is true loss of power all help separate these possibilities.

Stop heavy lifting and repeated overhead work for the moment, but keep gentle, comfortable movement so the shoulder does not become stiffer. Support the arm when resting and use only pain relief that is suitable for your health and medicines. Book an assessment if weakness persists, follows an injury, or limits dressing, reaching or sleep. A clinician may examine the neck and shoulder and decide whether imaging or physiotherapy is useful.

Call emergency services for shoulder or arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, faintness or pain spreading to the jaw or back. Sudden arm weakness with facial drooping, speech trouble or confusion is also an emergency. Seek prompt care after a fall, when the shoulder looks deformed, or when the hand becomes cold, pale or blue.

Ask whether the weakness is coming from the shoulder or neck, which movements are safe, and whether you need imaging or physiotherapy. Explain when symptoms began, what triggers them, whether pain travels below the elbow, and whether chest or breathing symptoms have occurred.