About this article
Medically reviewed- Written by
- Dr Paul Watson
- Medically reviewed by
- Dr Han Simpson
- Published
- May 26, 2026
- Medical review date
- September 8, 2026
- Evidence searched through
- September 8, 2026
- Next review due
- September 8, 2027
- Intended audience
- General Readers & Patients
- Geographic scope
- Worldwide
- Conflicts of interest
- None declared.
- Funding
- Website Owner
- Report a correction
- Report an error or editorial concern
- Medical disclaimer
- Read the medical disclaimer
Liver pain is most commonly felt in the upper right abdomen, directly beneath the right rib cage. However, liver pain location can sometimes extend into the upper back, right shoulder, right flank, or upper middle abdomen depending on the underlying liver condition.
Many people search for “liver pain location” because they are experiencing:
- Right side pain under ribs
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Back pain near the liver
- Pain after eating
- Dull aching beneath the ribs
- Fatty liver symptoms
Because the liver sits in the upper right side of the body, pain in this area may be linked to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, hepatitis, gallbladder problems, or more serious liver conditions.
This doctor-written guide explains:
- The exact liver pain location
- What liver pain feels like
- Liver pain symptoms
- Fatty liver pain location
- Liver pain vs gallbladder pain
- Causes of liver pain
- When liver pain is dangerous
Where Is Liver Pain Located?
The liver is located in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen.
Typical Liver Pain Location
Most people feel liver pain:
- Under the right ribs
- In the upper right abdomen
- Beneath the lower rib cage
- Near the upper stomach area
The classic liver pain location is directly below the right rib cage.
Liver Pain Location Diagram Areas
Although liver pain is usually right-sided, discomfort may spread to nearby areas.
Liver Pain May Radiate To:
- Right shoulder
- Right shoulder blade
- Upper back
- Mid-back
- Right flank
- Upper center abdomen
This is called referred pain, where irritation affects nearby nerve pathways.
What Does Liver Pain Feel Like?
Liver pain is often described as:
- Dull aching
- Pressure under the ribs
- Throbbing discomfort
- Fullness in the upper abdomen
- Mild tenderness
- Persistent soreness
Severe liver inflammation may occasionally cause sharper pain.
Unlike muscle pain, liver pain often feels deeper inside the abdomen.
Why Does Liver Pain Happen?
The liver itself contains very few pain-sensitive nerves.
Pain usually develops when:
- The liver enlarges
- Inflammation stretches the liver capsule
- Swelling increases pressure
- Infection irritates surrounding tissue
This explains why some liver diseases cause pain while others remain silent for years.
Common Causes of Liver Pain
Several liver and nearby digestive conditions may cause pain in the liver area.
Fatty Liver Disease Pain Location
Fatty liver disease is one of the most common causes of liver discomfort.
Fatty Liver Pain Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Mild pain in the upper right abdomen
- Feeling of fullness
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Discomfort under the ribs
Both:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD – see this source)
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
can cause liver pain symptoms.
Hepatitis and Liver Pain
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver.
Common Hepatitis Symptoms
People may experience:
- Liver pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Dark urine
Causes of hepatitis include:
- Viral infections
- Alcohol
- Autoimmune disease
- Certain medications
Cirrhosis and Liver Pain
Cirrhosis refers to permanent liver scarring.
Early cirrhosis often causes no symptoms, but advanced disease may lead to:
- Right upper abdominal pain
- Swollen abdomen
- Weight loss
- Easy bruising
- Jaundice
- Weakness
Liver Cancer Symptoms
Liver tumors may cause:
- Persistent liver pain
- Pain under the right ribs
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Abdominal swelling
Persistent liver pain should never be ignored.
Liver Infection or Liver Abscess
A liver abscess is a serious infection inside the liver.
Symptoms of Liver Infection
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Severe liver pain
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Nausea
This condition may become life-threatening without treatment.
Gallbladder Pain vs Liver Pain
Many people confuse liver pain and gallbladder pain because the organs are close together.
Liver Pain
Liver pain is often:
- Dull
- Constant
- Pressure-like
- Diffuse
Gallbladder Pain
Gallbladder pain is more commonly:
- Sharp
- Sudden
- Cramping
- Triggered after fatty foods
Gallbladder attacks may radiate to the right shoulder or back.
Can Liver Pain Cause Back Pain?
Yes.
Some people feel liver pain in the:
- Upper back
- Right shoulder blade
- Mid-back region
This referred pain occurs because abdominal nerves share pathways with the back and shoulder.
Symptoms That May Occur With Liver Pain
Additional symptoms can help identify liver disease.
Jaundice
Yellowing of the skin or eyes may signal liver dysfunction.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness is extremely common in liver disease.
Dark Urine
Dark urine may develop when bilirubin levels rise.
Pale Stool
Light-colored stool may indicate bile flow problems.
Abdominal Swelling
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen is called ascites.
This can occur in advanced liver disease.
When Is Liver Pain Serious?
Seek urgent medical care if liver pain occurs alongside:
- Fever
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Severe abdominal swelling
- Vomiting blood
- Black stool
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
- Sudden severe pain
These symptoms may indicate liver failure or other serious complications.
How Doctors Diagnose Liver Pain
Doctors may use multiple tests to determine the cause of liver pain.
Liver Function Blood Tests
Common tests include:
- ALT
- AST
- Bilirubin
- Albumin
- Alkaline phosphatase
Liver Ultrasound
Ultrasound is often the first imaging test used for liver pain location evaluation.
It may identify:
- Fatty liver
- Gallstones
- Liver enlargement
- Tumors
- Fluid buildup
CT Scan or MRI
Advanced scans provide more detailed liver imaging.
Liver Biopsy
A biopsy may sometimes be needed to confirm diagnosis.
Treatment for Liver Pain
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause.
Lifestyle Changes for Liver Health
Doctors often recommend:
- Weight loss
- Limiting alcohol
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Diabetes control
Medications for Liver Disease
Some conditions require medications such as:
- Antivirals
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Immunosuppressants
Surgery or Liver Procedures
Severe liver disease may require:
- Drainage procedures
- Tumor treatment
- Liver transplant
How to Protect Your Liver
Limit Alcohol Intake
Heavy alcohol use is a major cause of liver damage.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
Avoid Unsafe Supplements
Certain supplements and medications can harm the liver.
Get Vaccinated
Vaccination can help prevent:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is liver pain usually located?
Liver pain is usually located in the upper right abdomen beneath the rib cage.
Can liver pain be felt in the back?
Yes. Liver pain may radiate to the upper back or right shoulder blade.
Does fatty liver cause pain?
Yes. Fatty liver disease may cause mild discomfort or fullness under the right ribs.
Is liver pain sharp or dull?
Liver pain is usually dull and aching, although severe inflammation can occasionally cause sharper pain.
What side is liver pain on?
Liver pain is typically on the right side of the upper abdomen.
Final Thoughts
Understanding liver pain location can help identify when right upper abdominal discomfort may be linked to liver disease.
Most liver pain occurs beneath the right rib cage, but symptoms may also spread to the back, shoulder, or upper abdomen. Common causes include fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallbladder disease, infections, and liver tumors.
Because many liver conditions progress silently, persistent liver pain or associated symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, abdominal swelling, or unexplained weight loss should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.