A sudden discomfort in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, below the rib cage, might be a strong sign of liver pain. Numerous people often confuse this pain with muscle strain or kidney or gallbladder pain. Knowing the exact location of the liver pain allows you to initiate treatment and recover more quickly.
It is important to know the causes, signs, and location of liver pain, as prolonged discomfort might radiate towards the shoulders, back, or other parts of the body.
Let’s dive deep and learn about liver pain and understand causes of liver pain.
Where is liver pain located?
Liver pain usually occurs in the upper right abdomen but can also radiate towards the shoulder, back, and lower ribs. Since the liver shares nerve pathways, at times people report liver back pain location, causing an aching pain on the back side.
Once you experience a sudden pain in the liver area, it is essential to get an accurate lab testing done at an emergency room so that the location can be identified instantly.
What Does It Feel Like?
At times, people confuse liver pain with abdominal pain, muscle strain, or digestive issues. It is important to know what it feels like, as it is closely related to the abdominal strain symptoms. By knowing the location of liver pain, you can identify and initiate the right treatment.
Below are a few early signs of liver pain:
- Discomfort in the liver area, along with nausea, a d fatigue.
- Dull ache or throbbing pain
- Sharp stabbing pain beneath the right shoulder or upper right back
Can a liver cause back pain?
If you have this question in your mind, “Can a liver cause back pain?” the answer to it is yes. In cases of inflammation, infection, or liver disease, then you might experience liver back pain.
Since the pain occurs in the lower abdomen and radiates from there, people often confuse it with an enlarged bladder or suprapubic tenderness. If you have such doubts, then feel free to contact us at Plano ER, where we offer emergency services along with initial medical evaluation.
What Causes Liver Pain?
Liver pain is caused by many reasons. A few of the most prominent ones are listed below:
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty acids can cause inflammation and swelling, causing discomfort in the liver. If you experience liver pain after eating heavy or fatty meals, then it might be liver pain.
Hepatitis A, B, and C
Viral infections such as hepatitis can cause liver pain along with other medical issues such as jaundice, nausea, or fatigue.
Liver Cancer
Although it might be rare, tumors and cancerous cells in the liver can also cause serious discomfort in the liver.
Abscess or Cyst in the Liver
Infection in the tissues surrounding the liver can lead to the formation of small cysts or abscesses, which may result in liver pain.
Liver Pain Treatment
Liver pain can be treated through a few lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Depending on the severity of pain, the right treatment is recommended by the doctor.
Here are a few treatment strategies for liver pain:
- Medications
- Pain management through rest, exercise, and massage
- Surgery if the pain is intense and is affecting the tissues
- Improvement in diet and avoiding fatty meals
- Stretching and muscle training
When to Visit the ER?
Minor liver pain can be treated with rest and massage. However, if you experience intense liver pain or the following symptoms, then you should instantly visit an ER for evaluation:
- Constant pain in the upper right abdomen
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Sudden weight loss and fatigue
- Urine that is dark in color
Final Thoughts
Understanding the liver pain location and how it feels is important to stay informed about your health. Never ignore the pain you experience in your liver area.
Liver pain often radiates towards the back, shoulders, and gallbladder. By diagnosing its root cause, you can start early prevention and get back to normal soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I diagnose liver pain at home?
Yes, if you experience sudden, sharp pain in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen, then it might be due to liver pain. If you still have any doubts, then you can visit an ER for medical evaluation.
How can liver pain go away instantly?
If the liver pain is not severe, then it can be treated through rest, eating fruits and vegetables, and staying hydrated.
What can be mistaken for liver pain?
Liver pain often radiates towards other parts of the body, so it might be confused with gallbladder pain, shoulder, or back pain.
What is the difference between gallbladder pain and liver pain?
Gallbladder pain is usually sharp, aching, whereas liver pain is dull and you feel a constant ache.
