Liver cirrhosis is often described as “end-stage” fatty liver disease because the organ can no longer function properly. This is an irreversible process that causes the gradual replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. When the organ stops working properly, people with cirrhosis begin to experience symptoms in various parts of their body.
MOST PATIENTS EXPERIENCE THIS PAIN
When insidious cirrhosis begins to show symptoms, patients experience pain in their neck, shoulders and joints. The Cleveland Clinic notes that as the condition worsens, cirrhosis can become increasingly painful. “Up to 82 percent of people with cirrhosis report pain, and more than half of these people say their pain is long-term (chronic),” the health organization explains.
ATTENTION TO THE PAIN IN THE UPPER RIGHT
Most people with the condition experience this pain in the upper right part of their abdomen, under their ribs. However, pain can worsen pain from both diseases that lead to cirrhosis and existing diseases of cirrhosis. Because the disease puts the body in an inflammatory state, it can also aggravate pre-existing problems.
“Your body’s response to inflammation can cause general pain,” explains the Cleveland Clinic.
DAMAGED LIVER CAN CAUSE SHOULDER PAIN
While in an inflammatory state, a person’s osteoarthritis may become more and more pronounced. Although pain is typically described in the abdomen, patients with cirrhosis also complain of pain in the back, shoulders, and neck. Cancer Research confirms that a swollen and enlarged liver can cause pain in a person’s right shoulder.
“This is because the enlarged liver stimulates the nerves that connect to the nerves in the shoulders. This is called referred pain,” the health organization says.
HOW LONG DOES FATTY LIVER SYMPTOMS APPEAR?
Although the symptoms of fatty liver disease can appear in as little as five years, in most cases they appear 20 to 30 years after the condition is diagnosed.
These complications can be prevented by adhering to certain dietary rules and by reducing body weight if overweight. Additionally, a person should aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week to keep their liver healthy.