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Overview
Gallbladder pain often spreads to the back.
It can last hours.
When to get medical care
Call 911Severe pain with confusion.
Get care todayFever or yellow skin.
See a doctor soonRepeated pain.
Causes
Causes include gallstones.
OwieClear has pages on 0 conditions that can cause pain spreading to the right shoulder blade. Each shows how soon to get care.
What you can do at home
- Eat smaller meals.
Medicines
Surgery may be needed.
At the doctor
Ultrasound checks.
Questions you may be asked
- Pain
The exam
A belly exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound
Prevention
Healthy weight.
- Avoid rapid weight loss
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.