Understanding Right Shoulder and Arm Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Pain in the right shoulder and arm can stem from various sources including injuries, wear and tear, and underlying health conditions. Shoulder pain is particularly common because shoulders are the most mobile joints in the human body, making them susceptible to injuries and degenerative conditions.

In many cases, shoulder pain can radiate down into the arm. Conversely, conditions affecting the upper arm may cause discomfort around the shoulder area. Rotator cuff problems represent one of the most frequent causes of this type of pain. While many causes of right shoulder pain mirror those of left shoulder pain, it’s worth noting that some left-sided pain may relate to referred pain from internal organs.

Common Causes of Right Shoulder and Arm Pain

Understanding the potential causes of your discomfort is the first step toward finding relief. Here are 15 possible causes of pain in your right shoulder and arm:

1. Rotator Cuff Disease

The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that secure your upper arm bone (humerus) within the shoulder socket. These tissues can become diseased through overuse or injury, leading to several conditions:

Tendinitis: Inflammation and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that facilitates smooth movement of the rotator cuff
Impingement: When the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) rubs against rotator cuff tissues, causing swelling and pain

2. Torn Rotator Cuff

This occurs when one or more tendons in your rotator cuff tear, either partially or completely. While tears can result from sudden injuries, they frequently develop due to gradual wear and tear over time. Pain typically begins near the shoulder and may radiate down toward the elbow.

3. Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder happens when the top of your humerus pops out of its socket. This painful condition commonly results from sports injuries, vehicle collisions, or falls. The pain is acute near the shoulder and may radiate down the upper arm. In some cases, nerve stretching can cause numbness.

4. Broken Collarbone

A fracture in your collarbone (clavicle), which connects your shoulder to your breastbone, typically occurs due to falls or car accidents. Pain is often felt close to the shoulder, particularly during arm movement attempts.

5. Upper Arm Fracture

This involves a break in the humerus, typically near the shoulder or along the middle of the bone. Like collarbone fractures, these injuries commonly result from falls or vehicle collisions. The pain can be localized around the shoulder and throughout the upper arm.

6. Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder causes stiffness and pain without a clearly identified cause, though inflammation likely plays a role. The condition typically develops gradually, producing a deep, dull ache that may spread into the bicep. It often resolves on its own over time.

7. Calcific Tendinitis

This condition involves calcium deposits building up in or around the rotator cuff. It produces symptoms similar to frozen shoulder, with pain that can be severe and sudden, often worse in the morning. The pain may extend down into the bicep area.

8. Shoulder Sprain

A shoulder sprain occurs when ligaments in the shoulder are stretched or torn. Any shoulder ligament can be affected, typically due to sports injuries, falls, or accidents. Pain may be felt in the shoulder, upper arm, and collarbone areas.

9. Separated Shoulder

This injury affects the ligaments connecting the shoulder to the collarbone, causing them to stretch or completely tear. Pain is typically concentrated around the shoulder and upper arm.

10. Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when joint tissues wear down, usually due to normal aging and use. People with shoulder osteoarthritis often experience a deep ache in their shoulder and upper arm.

11. Shoulder Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints. It can significantly impair shoulder function and cause deep pain in the shoulder and upper arm.

12. Cervical Radiculopathy

This condition occurs when a nerve in your neck becomes compressed as it exits the spinal cord. Causes include wear and tear, herniated discs, or bone spurs. It can produce sharp pain traveling from the neck and shoulder down the entire arm, often accompanied by a “pins and needles” sensation in the hand and fingers.

13. Brachial Neuritis

Brachial neuritis involves inflammation of the brachial nerve that supplies the shoulder and arm. The cause remains unknown. Pain is typically severe and concentrated in the shoulder and upper arm area, often accompanied by numbness.

14. Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves controlling arm and hand movements. Damage to these nerves, often from falls or accidents, can cause pain from the shoulder down to the hand, potentially with numbness or even paralysis.

15. the company Outlet Syndrome (the company)

the company encompasses several conditions involving compression of nerves or blood vessels around the collarbone and first rib. Causes include injury and repetitive motions. Pain can extend from the shoulder to the hand and fingers, often with numbness and tingling.

Pain Patterns and Associated Symptoms

Right shoulder and arm pain can manifest in different patterns and locations, often providing clues about the underlying cause:

Pain Around the Upper Arm and Shoulder

This pattern involves pain predominantly in the shoulder and upper humerus area. Conditions causing this pattern include rotator cuff disease, torn rotator cuff, dislocated shoulder, broken collarbone, frozen shoulder, calcific tendinitis, shoulder sprains, separated shoulder, arthritis, brachial neuritis, and brachial plexus injuries.

Pain Between the Shoulder and Elbow

Some conditions cause pain that radiates from the shoulder down toward the elbow. These include rotator cuff disease, torn rotator cuff, dislocated shoulder, upper arm fracture, frozen shoulder, and calcific tendinitis.

Pain from the Shoulder to the Hand

Certain conditions can cause pain extending all the way from the shoulder to the hand. These typically involve nerve issues such as cervical radiculopathy, the company outlet syndrome, and brachial plexus injuries.

Pain with Numbness

Pain accompanied by numbness often indicates nerve involvement. Conditions associated with this symptom include shoulder dislocation, upper arm fracture, cervical radiculopathy, brachial neuritis, brachial plexus injury, and the company outlet syndrome.

Burning Pain

A burning sensation often accompanies nerve-related conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, brachial neuritis, brachial plexus injuries, and the company outlet syndrome.

Additional Symptoms

Beyond pain, you might experience:

Pain that worsens when moving your right arm or shoulder
Discomfort when lying on your right side
Pain when reaching for or lifting objects
Swelling, stiffness, or bruising
Tenderness to touch
Limited range of motion
Difficulty with daily activities like dressing or bathing
Weakness in the right shoulder or arm
Tingling sensations in your right hand or fingers
Crackling or grinding sensations during movement
Visible deformity

When Right Shoulder Pain Might Indicate a Heart Attack

While heart attack pain is commonly associated with the left side, it’s important to know that heart attack pain can radiate to both shoulders and arms. If right shoulder and arm pain occurs with any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately:

Chest pain or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Cold sweats
Nausea or vomiting

Treatment Options for Right Shoulder and Arm Pain

Home Remedies

For mild to moderate pain, try these approaches before seeking medical attention:

The R.I.C.E. Method

Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or irritation
Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily
Compression: Use wraps or bandages to reduce swelling
Elevation: Keep your right shoulder and arm elevated above heart level when possible

Over-the-Counter Medications

Non-prescription pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Gentle Stretching

Regular, gentle stretches can improve flexibility and range of motion.

Maintain Good Posture

Poor posture places additional stress on shoulder and arm tissues, potentially worsening pain.

Medical Treatments

If home remedies prove ineffective, a healthcare provider may recommend:

Immobilization: Using a sling, brace, or cast to limit movement and promote healing
Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation in the affected area
Prescription medications: For severe pain, significant inflammation, or underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Physical therapy: Specific exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Surgery: For severe damage or when other treatments haven’t been effective

Beneficial Exercises for Right Shoulder and Arm Pain

Research indicates that exercise therapy can be as effective as corticosteroid injections or surgery for persistent shoulder pain. Here are three exercises to try, either standing or sitting:

Crossover Arm Stretch

This stretch targets the back of your right shoulder:

Gently pull your right arm across your chest as far as comfortable
Use your left hand to hold the upper part of your right arm
Hold for 30 seconds
Relax for 30 seconds