Any time you start to feel pain in your abdomen or chest, it can be scary! Causes of abdominal pain can range from minor inconveniences to full emergencies, so it is important to know what is causing it.

One of the causes of your pain could be gallstones. Gallstones are formed within your gallbladder and can cause you significant pain if they are large enough. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team shares the details about gallstones.

How Did My Body Create a Gallstone?

Your gallbladder is in charge of the specific function of storing and releasing bile to aid in digestion. Whenever that process gets disrupted and your gallbladder fails to empty completely, leftover bile can build up and create a hardened deposit.

If your gallstone becomes large enough, it can start to be painful. Gallstone pain is usually felt beneath your breastbone or right under your ribcage. It can travel to your upper right abdomen and even into your shoulder blade.

Additional Signs of a Gallstone

• Sudden or intense pain in the middle of your chest
• Back pain between your shoulder blades
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pain radiating through right shoulder

Do Gallstones Require Surgery?

Not every gallstone requires surgery for removal, but since gallstones are so common, gallbladder removal surgery is also common. Gallbladders are not a vital organ, so removal is sometimes the easiest course of action if you are in significant pain.

Surgery might also become an option if you are experiencing chronic issues with recurrent gallstones or if your stone is big enough to start blocking your bile or pancreatic ducts. These blockages can lead to further complications, so intervention is usually always necessary at this point.

How to Avoid Gallstones

• Keep a healthy weight.
• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
• Stay hydrated.
• Have a consistent exercise routine.

Pain from a gallstone can be intense! If you are experiencing upper abdomen or back pain, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.