Hello! I'm Dr. Emily, a liver specialist. I can help you understand where you might feel
liver pain.
The
liver is located in the
upper right abdomen, just below the
diaphragm and slightly behind the
ribs. It's quite a large organ, and while it's usually silent,
liver pain can occur when the
liver itself is injured or when the
liver is
enlarged due to a condition like
hepatitis,
cirrhosis, or
cancer.
However,
liver pain can be
difficult to pinpoint because the
liver doesn't have many pain receptors. Most of the time, you will feel the pain in areas around the
liver rather than in the
liver itself.
Here are some common areas where you might feel
liver pain:
*
Right upper abdomen: This is the most common area for
liver pain. The
liver is located in this area, so pain here can be a sign of a
liver problem. You might feel a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a feeling of fullness.
*
Right shoulder: Liver pain can refer to the
right shoulder because of the way the nerves are connected. The
phrenic nerve, which supplies the
diaphragm, also supplies the
right shoulder. So, if the
liver is inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain in the
right shoulder.
*
Back: Liver pain can also refer to the
back, particularly the
upper back. This is because the
liver is located close to the
back. Again, the
phrenic nerve connection is important here.
*
Between the shoulder blades: Some people experience pain between their
shoulder blades as a sign of
liver pain. The exact reason for this isn't fully understood, but it's believed to be related to the
phrenic nerve and the way it branches out to different parts of the body.
Here are some other things to keep in mind about
liver pain:
*
Liver pain often comes on gradually and gets worse over time.
*
Liver pain can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
*
Nausea and vomiting *
Loss of appetite * **Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)**
*
Swelling in the legs and ankles *
Dark urine *
Pale stools *
Fatigue* If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
It is essential to remember that I am not a medical professional. This information is for general knowledge and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing
liver pain, please consult with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
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