Can cholecystitis cause shoulder pain?

In general, whether cholecystitis causes shoulder pain depends on the specific stage of the disease and the pattern of pain radiation. If related discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. The details are as follows:

During an acute cholecystitis attack, inflammation stimulates nerves around the gallbladder, causing pain that may radiate via neural pathways to the right shoulder or the area of the right scapula. This type of pain is typically referred pain and is often accompanied by severe pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. The intensity of pain generally correlates with the severity of inflammation—the more severe the inflammation, the more pronounced the shoulder pain may be.

In patients with chronic cholecystitis, inflammation is milder and progresses slowly. Pain is usually localized in the upper right abdomen, presenting as a dull ache or distension, and significant radiation to the shoulder is uncommon. Some patients may only experience discomfort in the upper right abdomen after consuming greasy foods, which typically does not lead to shoulder pain.

When upper right abdominal pain is accompanied by shoulder pain, timely medical evaluation is essential to determine whether it is caused by cholecystitis and to avoid confusion with other conditions such as shoulder periarthritis or coronary heart disease. It is advisable to maintain a light diet, avoid greasy foods, and reduce the burden on the gallbladder. If cholecystitis is diagnosed, follow medical advice for treatment to prevent worsening or recurrent episodes.