1. Community
  2. Liver and gallbladder
  3. Gallbladder Problems

Referred Pain

Posted , 3 users are following.

LellyM
LellyM

OK, this sounds like an odd one. I was investigating the ongoing problem I have been having with my right shoulder when I can across an article about referred pain.

It seems that the right shoulder and neck can experience pain due to the gall bladder!!!

Now, I know that accupressure works but this is weird.

Has anyone esle experienced shoulder pain that could be linked to the old belly-rocks?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Marco01
    Marco01

    Posted

    Yes, but only when I have been having a gallstone 'attack' or billiary collic. Then pain can spread from the abdomen, to the chest, arm, shoulder and back, almost exclusively on the right side.

    I have not experienced any shoulder pain whilst not having one of these attacks (except for that time I dislocated it, but that's a different story!) but who knows, there might be a link in your case :?:

  • jimanddi0
    jimanddi0

    Posted

    I've been struggling with right sided neck and shoulder pain since November 2006. In May 2007 I had a 10 week course of private physio including manipulation, traction and ultrasound that never touched it. In August 2007 I was diagnosed with 'lots and lots' of gallstones that were asymptomatic at the time. In May of last year I had accupuncture on my shoulder which gave some relief. I've questioned this referred pain with medics all the way through this and been more or less laughed out of the door. But no one can explain why I have full movement in my arm and shoulder with so much pain and just a little stiffness in my neck that doesn't bother me (I am 50!). So I've spent 2 years on Diclofenac which I've had to reduce as it's started affecting my stomach and putting my LFTs up. My GP blames the gallstones for my LFTs and upset stomach and recommends surgery, while I think it is the medication. But until I have an answer I cannot put myself through an operation (albeit keyhole). I've had one typical gallstone attack about 8 months ago which was frightening but over in an hour.

    Sorry for the long post but this topic has bothered me for some time. I've done a lot of research on the Phrenic Nerve which is the one that runs near the gallbladder and can give referred pain in the shoulder - look it up on the net. I'd be very interested in anybody else that's experienced this.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    Yes I get shoulder pain but also only when my gallbladder is playing up - it is like a dull ache and only affects my right shoulder.

  • LellyM
    LellyM

    Posted

    My shoulder is different to the wandering pain I get with a gallstone attack. It feels as though I have damaged the ligaments but I have no loss of movement / stiffness or swelling. Just pain.

    I don't recall actually injuring it. But it did seem to start about the time I had my last bad GS attack so who knows eh.

    Don't care really. If I have the glaabladder out and it cures my shoulder then it is a double bonus. Otherwise i will put up with it until it goes away.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.