What That Pain In Your Shoulder Could Say About Your Gut

When you have pain in your abdomen, it’s hard to pinpoint its origin. It could be appendicitis, indigestion, a kidney stone, or an intense stomach ache. Because our bodies are so intricate, detailing your symptoms helps our team zero in on the problem area and get to work on a treatment that’s going to alleviate your pain.

One of the biggest culprits of abdominal pain is gallbladder disease. Gallstones are the #1 gastrointestinal disorder that causes hospitalization.

Our dedicated team of doctors here at Desert West Surgery are here to answer a few questions about the gallbladder, gallstones, and why a problem with your gallbladder can affect your shoulders. 

What is the gallbladder?

Shaped like a tiny pear, your gallbladder resides on your right side, just below your liver. It stores bile, which is a vital fluid your liver manufactures that plays an essential role in digestion. Every time you eat, your gallbladder releases bile that travels through ducts into your small intestine. 

What are gallstones?

Occasionally, bile can accumulate and form a mass, called a gallstone, in your gallbladder. Gallstones can range in size from microscopic to the size of a ping pong ball. Signs that you may have gallstones include:

Let’s take a closer look at one of these symptoms: shoulder pain.

How does an inflamed gallbladder affect my shoulders?

When your gallbladder is inflamed and swollen, it irritates your phrenic nerve. Your phrenic nerve stretches from the abdomen, through the chest, and into your neck. Each time you eat a fatty meal, it aggravates the nerve and causes referred pain in your right shoulder blade.

Recurring right shoulder pain is a crucial indicator for our team to investigate your gallbladder to see if there is an infection or a blockage.

Who is at risk for gallstones?

You’re at an elevated risk for gallstones if you’re:

If you have recurring shoulder pain in conjunction with abdominal pain, you should schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations in Las Vegas as quickly as possible. If left untreated, gallstones can lead to sudden gallbladder attacks or other serious problems. To learn more, call the location closest to you.

You Might Also Enjoy...

What Type of Thyroid Surgery Might I Need?

Many thyroid problems can be managed with medication, but there are times when thyroid surgery is necessary. In this post, you’ll learn about when surgery is recommended, along with the primary types of surgery used to treat thyroid problems.

Can Surgery Cure My Crohn's Disease?

Crohn’s is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management to keep it under control. Surgery can help — but it can’t provide a cure. If you have Crohn’s disease, here’s how surgery could play a role in helping you stay healthy.

4 Signs You Have Gallstones

Gallstones are a common medical complaint; without prompt medical attention, they can cause serious complications. Knowing these four symptoms can help you seek care as soon as possible.

Do I Need to Have Surgery If I Have Melanoma?

Melanomas are the deadliest type of skin cancer, so they need aggressive treatment to stop them in their tracks. But does every melanoma lesion need surgery? Here’s what you should know.