Liver pain typically feels like a dull, persistent ache or a feeling of fullness or bloating in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below the rib cage. It can also sometimes present as sharp, stabbing pains that come and go, or tenderness when the area is touched
. Because the liver itself lacks pain receptors, the pain usually arises from inflammation or stretching of the liver capsule or irritation of surrounding tissues. This pain may radiate to other areas such as the right shoulder, back, neck, or even large joints
. People with liver conditions like cirrhosis often describe the pain as dull or throbbing. In some cases, liver pain can be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal swelling, jaundice, fatigue, and tenderness in the upper right abdomen
. In summary, liver pain can feel like:
- A dull, persistent ache in the upper right abdomen
- A sensation of fullness or bloating
- Sharp, stabbing pains that may come and go
- Tenderness in the upper right abdomen
- Referred pain to the right shoulder, back, or neck
This pain pattern is often linked to liver inflammation, enlargement, or related complications