The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, performing key functions such as blood detoxification, bile production, and nutrient storage.
However, when the liver isn’t functioning properly, it can manifest itself through different types of pain and discomfort in various parts of the body.
Main Areas Affected by Liver Problems
Below, we explain the areas where you may experience pain or discomfort when experiencing liver problems.
1. Upper Right Abdomen
Pain in the upper right abdomen is one of the most common symptoms associated with liver problems. The liver is located just below the diaphragm, on the right side of the abdomen, so any inflammation, damage, or enlargement of the liver can cause pain in this region.
This pain can range from a feeling of heaviness or discomfort to a sharp or stabbing pain. Conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis can cause this discomfort.
2. Back and Right Shoulder
Due to the liver’s location and its proximity to the diaphragm’s nerves, liver problems can radiate pain to the back, specifically the upper right side, and even to the right shoulder.
This radiating pain is known as referred pain, as the brain can interpret discomfort from the liver as if it were originating elsewhere in the body. People with chronic liver disease or liver tumors often experience this discomfort in the back or shoulder.
3. General Abdomen (Diffuse Abdominal Pain)
In some people, liver problems may manifest as pain diffuse throughout the abdomen, rather than being localized solely to the right side. This can occur if liver inflammation affects other nearby organs or if there is fluid accumulation in the abdomen, known as ascites.
Ascites can cause a feeling of bloating, heaviness, and general discomfort in the abdominal area, which is typical in cases of advanced cirrhosis or liver failure.
4. Skin and Joints
Liver problems can affect not only internal organs but also the skin and joints. A liver condition called cholestasis, in which bile flow is obstructed, can cause intense itching (pruritus) throughout the body, especially the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
In addition, the accumulation of toxins in the body due to poor liver function can cause joint inflammation and pain, known as hepatic arthritis.
5. Headaches and General Fatigue
Although not directly associated with pain in a specific organ, liver problems can also cause headaches and extreme fatigue. The liver plays a crucial role in removing toxins from the body, and when it doesn’t function properly, these toxins can accumulate, affecting the brain and causing a feeling of confusion, frequent headaches, and debilitating fatigue.
This condition, known as hepatic encephalopathy, can cause diffuse headaches and a feeling of general malaise.
It can appear in several areas or just one.
Pain related to liver problems can appear in various parts of the body, from the abdomen to the back, shoulders, and joints.
If you experience persistent pain in these areas along with other symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal swelling, fatigue, and confusion, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a complete evaluation of your liver function. Early treatment of liver disease can help prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life.
