Gallstones are solid deposits made up of cholesterol, bilirubin, and calcium salts that form in the gallbladder and vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. They can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, fever, jaundice, and changes in stool and urine color. However, right shoulder pain is also occasionally linked to gallstones, though it is less common.
Shoulder Pain and Gallstones
Dr. Sandeep Aggarwal, Chairman of the Manipal Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric, GI & Robotic Surgery, explains that shoulder pain can sometimes be a symptom of gallstones. However, severe shoulder pain without abdominal pain is unusual and unlikely to be caused by gallstones.
Referred pain: Gallstone-related shoulder pain typically occurs when the pain in the upper right abdomen radiates to the right shoulder. This is due to the irritation of the phrenic nerve, which connects the diaphragm and the gallbladder area to the shoulder.
The main symptom of gallstones is typically severe pain in the upper abdomen, just below the right rib cage, and occasionally, the pain can be referred to the shoulder.
In many cases, the shoulder pain and abdominal pain may not occur simultaneously, making diagnosis more challenging.
Other Causes of Shoulder Pain
Dr. Aggarwal highlights that shoulder pain may also arise from conditions unrelated to gallstones, such as:
- Pleuritis (inflammation of the lung lining),
- Pneumonia,
- Fluid collection below the diaphragm,
- Shoulder-specific injuries or conditions.
In such cases, referred pain from the gallbladder is distinct in that it does not follow the same pain pattern between the abdomen and shoulder.
Additional Symptoms of Gallstones
In addition to shoulder pain, gallstones may cause:
- Indigestion or bloating: A feeling of discomfort or fullness in the upper abdomen, particularly after consuming fatty foods.
- Dark-colored urine or light-colored stool: This could indicate a bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones.
- Intense nausea: Occurs due to irritation in the digestive system from the gallstones.
Fever: Chills and fever could signify gallbladder infection.
- Gallstone-induced pancreatitis: A severe condition where a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct, causing intense central abdominal pain and vomiting.
Treatment for Gallstones
- Dietary Recommendations: To prevent complications, a low-fat diet is recommended while awaiting surgery.
- Gallbladder Removal Surgery: The primary treatment for gallstones is the removal of the gallbladder, typically performed through laparoscopy or robotic cholecystectomy.
If shoulder pain is persistent along with the other signs mentioned, seeking medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.