When the liver is not working properly (due to inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, or more serious disease), it usually doesn’t directly “hurt” in many specific body parts at first. But some areas can become painful or uncomfortable because of where the liver sits and how it affects the body.
Common pain or discomfort areas linked to liver problems
1. Right upper abdomen (most common)
- Just under your right ribs
- Can feel like:
- Dull ache
- Fullness or pressure
- Sharp pain in some cases
This is where the liver is located.
2. Right shoulder or upper back
- Pain can “refer” here because the liver and diaphragm share nerve pathways
- Often mistaken for muscle pain
3. Upper middle abdomen (epigastric area)
- May feel bloated, heavy, or uncomfortable after eating
4. Whole abdomen (in advanced disease)
- If fluid builds up (ascites), the whole belly may feel tight or swollen
Other symptoms that often come with liver problems (even more important than pain)
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Itchy skin
- Easy bruising
Important note
Liver disease is often called a “silent” condition because early stages may have little or no pain. Pain usually appears when inflammation, swelling, or complications develop.
If you’re having pain in any of these areas, especially with fatigue or yellowing of eyes/skin, it’s worth getting a liver function test (LFT) or seeing a doctor.
