If My Abdomen Hurts, Do I Have Gallstones?

Chest pain is definitely something to never take lightly. You should never just ignore pain in your chest or abdomen in the hopes that it goes away, as that can be dangerous and even deadly.

However, it is important to note where your pain is located so you can react appropriately. Depending on where your pain is, one cause could be gallstones!

If you are wondering if you are suffering from a gallstone, our team at AFC Urgent Care Powdersville explains more about the condition and the location of the pain below.

Where Do Gallstones Come From?

Your gallbladder’s job is to store and release the bile created by your liver to aid in digestion. Whenever that process is disrupted somehow, your gallbladder can fail to empty completely and the leftover bile can form into a hardened stone.

Having high cholesterol is often associated with a higher risk of developing gallstones, as your bile can have a harder time breaking down excess cholesterol. When a stone does form, it can be really little like the tip of a pencil or a grain of sand. It can also be as big as a golf ball! In those cases, it can cause significant pain in your abdomen.

Abdominal Pain Location for Gallstones

  • Sudden or intense pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Behind your breastbone
  • Pain radiating between your shoulder blades
  • Pain radiating to your right shoulder

Will I Need to Have Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

If you are diagnosed with gallstones, it doesn’t guarantee that you will need surgery. Some stones can pass on their own, and others can be dissolved with medication.

Gallbladder surgery does happen quite often, though, as a result of recurring gallstones or if you have a particularly large or painful stone. The good news is that you don’t need a gallbladder to live a normal life as it is not considered a vital organ.

Avoiding Gallstones

  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Stay active and exercise often.
  • Avoid crash diets.
  • Lose any unwanted weight gradually.

If you are experiencing upper abdominal pain or back pain, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Powdersville.