reason for liver pain - #13466
I am really anxious about this strange liver pain I’ve been having lately. It started about a month ago after I had a pretty heavy dinner (I know, bad choices, right?), and I just brushed it off as indigestion or something. But then, it got worse after a few days, like I’d be sitting at my desk working and suddenly feel this dull ache right about where my liver is. I’ve tried changing my diet too, eating healthier and all that, but the pain keeps coming back. I didn’t think much of it until my friend mentioned it could be more serious, like something wrong with the liver, which then freaked me out. I went to the doctor last week and they did a blood test, said my liver function tests were normal, but still, I’m left thinking, what’s the reason for liver pain? Like, everything seems normal but I’m clearly feeling something here. Could it be something I’m not considering? I’ve been trying to google reasons for liver pain and it just makes me more confused! Could stress or something unrelated like gallstones be messing with me? Or is it just my body saying I should chill on the takeout? Any advice on what I might ask my doctor next would be really appreciated! I just want to understand what could be the reason for liver pain, you know?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Liver pain can certainly be unsettling, especially when tests come back normal, leaving you questioning what’s actually going on. It’s important to remember that abdominal pain can stem from multiple sources and may not be directly related to the liver itself. Since you’ve mentioned making dietary changes, it’s useful to consider that the discomfort could be associated with gastrointestinal issues such as gallstones or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both of which can mimic liver pain due to their proximity to the liver. Gallstones, for example, could cause pain that feels similar to liver pain, especially if they block a bile duct. Since your liver function tests are within normal ranges, which typically rule out significant liver disease, it’s worth discussing these possibilities with your doctor.
Another consideration might be something muscular or skeletal, such as costochondritis or posture-related strain from prolonged sitting at your desk, which could present as a dull ache in the same area. Stress and anxiety, too, can manifest physically, sometimes resulting in tension that may be perceived as pain. When you visit your doctor next, you could ask about exploring these potential causes. Discussing imaging studies like an ultrasound can also be a logical next step to ensure there are no structural abnormalities. Meanwhile, maintain your diet improvements, and try incorporating stress-reducing activities like extending relaxation techniques or exercise, if they’re feasible for you. Pay attention to patterns in your symptoms, like specific foods, activities or stressors that consistently trigger the pain and bringing this information to your appointment might also help your doctor pinpoint the cause. While your liver’s current state appears healthy, remaining vigilant and seeking comprehensive assessment will help alleviate your concerns.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.