Have you experienced a vague pain in your right upper abdomen and asked yourself, “what does liver pain feel like?” You’re not alone. That’s because the liver doesn’t have pain receptors, so any aching or painful sensations you might experience is most likely referred pain — that is, discomfort due to inflammation or pressure on surrounding tissues.
In this guide, we’ll explain what liver pain feels like, how to distinguish it from other types of abdominal pain and what you can do about it. We’ll also go over real-life stories, causes and prevention tips — all in plain language.
What Does Pain in the Liver Feel Like?
The liver is located cy under your right rib cage and it rests skew across your abdomen. It’s one of your body’s hardest-working organs — ceaselessly filtering out toxins, producing bile to digest fat and carrying jue (an energetic force) throughout your system nutrients.
But because the liver does not have pain receptors, it experiences pain if anything lays siege to its outer layer, the Glisson’s capsule (which is equipped with nerves).
Typical characteristics of liver pain Most people describe liver pains as:
General dull discomfort under the right ribs
Sensation of pressure or fullness
Pain that spreads into the back or right shoulder
Sensitivity on pressure in the epigastrium
Discomfort at the end of a large, fatty or heavy meal
The pain from liver disease depends on what exactly is the problem and how far along it is, but often “other organs can feel it,” says the Cleveland Clinic, so you might not experience a localized pain where your liver actually sits.
Ways to Stop Liver Pain with Immediate Effect
If you’re in pain and discomfort with your liver, perhaps you’re thinking, “How do I stop my liver from hurting immediately?” While there is no quick fix, there are steps you can take to help alleviate the pain in a safe way while you wait for an appointment a doctor.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver — and if your liver is already inflamed, imbibing can aggravate the discomfort.
Drink Water and Eat Light
Hydration is important for your body to detoxify itself. Eat light meals with low-fat foods, fruits and vegetables.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) are metabolized in the liver, and high doses can make damage worse.
Rest and Monitor Symptoms
Try lying slightly upright. See a doctor right away if your pain is extreme, and call 911 if you have yellow skin, swelling or confusion — they’re signs of acute liver failure.
What Does Liver Pain Feel Like Reddit: People Share Their Experiences
Your platform for these experiences is and it is always a point of view shared on this story Reddit liver health communities, and while everyone’s account is unique, certain patterns emerge:
“It’s like a lingering, sore pain that never quite goes away.”
“Mine was more like pressure on my right side, as though someone was pushing from the inside.”
“I started off thinking it was back pains — yet it ended up being my liver.”
These shared stories illustrate how liver pain can be mistaken for other problems, such as indigestion or muscle strain.
How to Tell the Difference between Gallbladder Pain and Liver Pain
Gallbladder pain often gets mistaken for liver pain, since the two are situated near each other beneath your right rib cage. But here’s how to sort them out:
| Type of Pain | Dull and constant | Sharp and sudden |
| Location | Upper right abdomen, may spread to back/shoulder | Upper middle or right abdomen, often after fatty meals |
| Other Symptoms | Fatigue, jaundice, swelling | Nausea, vomiting, pain after eating |
| Cause | Inflammation or liver disease | Gallstones or infection |
For more information, check out Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gallbladder vs liver pain.
Fatty Liver Pain Symptoms
Fatty liver disease — or hepatic steatosis — occurs when there is an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. About one in four adults in the United States is impacted by it, according to the C.D.C.
Following are some of the typical fatty liver pain symptoms:
Dull pain under right rib cage
Swelling or bloating
Chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pruritus or jaundice in late stages
Fatty liver disease can develop into cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated, so making lifestyle changes early is crucial.
Fatty Liver Pain Location
But people with fatty liver disease frequently inquired about: “Where exactly do you feel it?”
COGNITIVE (ALPHABETIC FROM THE WORD ALFABETO COGNITIVO–ABC) The most common localized FLP site is:
In the upper right part of your abdomen below your ribcage
Pain may also spread to the back or shoulder.
Sometimes, pain can be misattributed to digestive issues
Learn more about where the pain of fatty liver is located.
Liver Pain Location in Females
The liver pain location in women is the same place as it is for men, though certain hormones and metabolic issues can affect how pain feels.
Menopause or pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, increases the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in women.
An N.I.H. study from 2024 indicates that women may experience more diffuse pain — radiating to the right flank or lower back.
If you’re a woman experiencing chronic upper abdominal pain, don’t just dismiss it — make an appointment to have your liver function tested to rule out potential problems early.
Does Liver Pain Come and Go?
Yes — in many cases liver pain does come and go. This trend is related typically to diet, alcohol consumption or physical activity.
For example:
Pain may worsen after a heavy meal or alcohol consumption.
As inflammation recedes, you can feel fine again — until your liver is strained once more.
But fluctuating pain isn’t a sign that it’s harmless. Even chronic liver disease is known to produce symptoms only intermittently, long before the damage becomes substantial. Read more in Mayo Clinic’s overview of liver pain.
What does liver pain feel like?
When you’re pregnant, liver pain can feel like a tight stretching sensation in the upper right side of your abdomen — particularly during the later months of pregnancy.
Some causes include:
Hormonal changes affecting bile flow
Pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome (both of which are significant disorders)
Gallbladder inflammation
If you’re pregnant and experiencing pain in the area of your liver along with headaches, swelling or nausea, report it to your OB-GYN right away. Learn more about liver pain during pregnancy.
When to See a Doctor
Get emergency medical help if you have:
Severe upper abdominal pain
Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
Vomiting blood
Swollen belly or legs
Confusion or fatigue
Dark urine and light stool
These are signs of acute liver failure or severe liver disease. Go to the nearest emergency room or Gastroenterologist for evaluation.
How to Manage Liver Pain With Small Lifestyle Changes
Looking after your liver doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s how to protect it every day:
Avoid or limit alcohol
Snack on foods that are low in sugar and fat.
Exercise regularly
Use medications safely
Get the hepatitis A and B vaccines
Get screened if liver disease runs in your family If anyone in your family has problems with his or her liver, you will want to be screened for hepatitis.
Read more about how to protect your liver.
🧾Last But Not Least: Listen To Your Liver Whispers
Your liver is a silent 24/7 workaholic, filtering out toxins and keeping you alive. Even a little bit of hurt is all the motivation you need to listen.
Don’t wait for the scream when the body whispers.
And if you experience pain — even mild, intermittent, or gradually worsening pain — beneath your right ribs, it’s worth seeing a physician early on. Because at the end of the day, you’ve only got one liver and it deserves to be taken care of.
