A pain in the right side under the ribs can range from mild to severe, and it may appear suddenly or build up over time. Whether the discomfort feels sharp, dull, stabbing, burning, or pressure-like, understanding what it may signal is important. This region houses critical organs like the liver, gallbladder, intestines, diaphragm, and supporting muscles, so any persistent discomfort deserves attention. Let’s explore the different types of pain and what they may mean.
Sharp Pain in Right Side Under Ribs
A sudden, stabbing pain on the right side may point to:
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Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis): These often cause sharp pain after a heavy or fatty meal. The discomfort may radiate to the back or shoulder and is sometimes accompanied by nausea.
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Pulled or strained abdominal/rib muscles: Muscle strain can create a sharp twinge, especially with movement, coughing, or sneezing. The pain usually worsens when you twist or take a deep breath.
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Digestive irritation: Gas buildup or indigestion can also trigger temporary sharp pain that subsides once the digestive system settles.
Sharp, persistent pain should never be ignored, as it often signals an underlying issue with the gallbladder or abdominal wall.
Dull Ache Under the Right Rib Cage
A heavy, aching sensation in this area may be linked to:
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Liver inflammation (hepatitis, fatty liver disease): A swollen or congested liver can create a dull, dragging pain that feels like pressure beneath the ribs.
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Constipation or bloating: Slow digestion or trapped stool in the colon can press against the rib cage, creating a dull ache that worsens with meals.
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Colon issues: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may cause intermittent dull discomfort on the right side.
A dull ache is subtle but persistent, often signaling internal inflammation or digestive slowdown. It’s less urgent than sharp pain but still worth investigating if it lingers.
Stabbing Pain Under the Ribs
This type of pain feels localized and intense, sometimes coming in waves.
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Gallbladder attacks (biliary colic): Gallstones blocking bile flow can trigger sudden stabbing pain that may last from minutes to hours.
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Kidney stones: As stones move through the urinary tract, they can cause sharp, stabbing pain that radiates toward the back or groin.
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Trapped intestinal gas or spasms: Gas pockets can stretch the intestines, causing sharp, stabbing cramps that improve after passing gas.
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Diaphragm or pleura irritation: Rarely, inflammation around the lungs (pleurisy) can create sharp pain under the ribs that worsens with deep breathing.
Stabbing pain often signals blockage, spasm, or irritation—it tends to be intense, sudden, and impossible to ignore.
Burning Sensation in the Right Side
A burning or warm feeling under the ribs may suggest:
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Acid reflux or gastritis: Though often felt in the upper middle abdomen, acid irritation can radiate to the right side, causing burning discomfort.
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Gallbladder inflammation: Some patients describe gallbladder pain as a burning sensation that worsens after greasy meals.
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Liver irritation: Inflammation or congestion in the liver can create a slow-burning or warm pressure under the ribs.
Burning pain is most often linked to irritation of the digestive lining or organ inflammation, and it should not be dismissed if persistent.
Pain That Comes and Goes
Intermittent pain patterns often suggest:
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Gallbladder dysfunction or gallstone flare-ups: Pain may start suddenly, ease off, and then return stronger during the next attack.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Fluctuating digestive activity can trigger pain that comes and goes, often linked to meals or stress.
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Gas or bloating cycles: Pain may appear after eating and fade once digestion progresses.
Because the pain isn’t constant, people sometimes delay care—but recurring, unpredictable pain is a warning sign that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Discomfort Under Right Ribs
Sometimes the feeling is vague, more like tightness or internal pressure than pain.
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Gas buildup in the intestines: This can cause temporary cramping or tightness that resolves once the gas passes.
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Minor liver irritation: Mild swelling of the liver can create a dull discomfort without sharp pain.
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Muscle strain or poor posture: Repeated strain on abdominal or rib muscles can produce lingering discomfort, especially if you sit for long periods.
While vague discomfort seems harmless, tracking when it happens (after meals, during stress, or with posture) helps uncover the cause.
Pressure Under the Right Rib Cage
A sensation of fullness or pressure may indicate:
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Liver enlargement (congestion or inflammation): A swollen liver can push against the rib cage, creating a pressing feeling.
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Gallbladder swelling: Inflammation or bile buildup can make the gallbladder press into surrounding tissues, producing tightness.
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Bloating in the colon: The intestines can expand with gas or stool, pressing upward toward the ribs.
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Muscular or structural causes: Pressure that worsens when bending or twisting may stem from the abdominal wall or spine.
Pressure often indicates something pressing outward from within—tracking whether it worsens with digestion or movement is important.
Pain When Pressing the Area
If pressing on the area makes it worse, this may suggest:
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Costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage): Pain worsens when you press or move the chest, mimicking heart pain but originating in the rib cartilage.
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Bruised or injured ribs: Trauma, falls, or even repeated coughing can bruise ribs, making them sore to touch and tender with movement.
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Localized liver or gallbladder sensitivity: In deeper cases, pressing may make internal pain more obvious, suggesting organ irritation rather than surface injury.
Surface tenderness usually means muscle or bone, while deeper pain points toward organ involvement.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if you experience:
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Persistent or severe rib pain
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Pain radiating to the back, chest, or shoulder
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Associated symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice
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Breathing difficulties or worsening pain after injury
Your provider may recommend blood work, imaging tests, or referrals to specialists such as a gastroenterologist or cardiologist depending on the suspected cause.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s described as pain on the right side under ribs, discomfort under the rib cage, or right-side back pain under the ribs, the cause can range from minor gas buildup to more serious organ problems. Any pain that persists, interferes with daily life, or worsens over time should be evaluated early by a medical professional.
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FAQs
- Can gas cause pain on the right side under ribs?
Yes. Gas trapped in the intestines can create sharp or crampy pain on the right side under ribs, which usually eases once digestion moves along. - What does discomfort right side under ribs mean?
It often points to bloating, liver irritation, or muscle strain. If the discomfort persists, it’s best to have it checked. - What causes pain under the right rib cage?
Possible causes include gallbladder issues, liver conditions, kidney stones, or rib and muscle strain. - What does rib pain right side indicate?
Rib pain on the right side may result from costochondritis, a muscle pull, or a bruise. Deeper pain can sometimes involve the liver or gallbladder. - Why do I feel right side of back pain under ribs?
This can be due to kidney stones, gallbladder pain radiating to the back, or strained back muscles. - When should I see a cardiologist for right-sided rib pain?
If the pain is recurring, linked with shortness of breath, dizziness, or you have heart risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, scheduling a visit with a cardiologist is recommended.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience persistent or severe pain on the right side under ribs, dull pain under the right rib cage that comes and goes, or discomfort that interferes with daily life, consult a qualified healthcare provider promptly. Only a licensed professional can determine whether your symptoms are related to the liver, gallbladder, muscles, or other internal organs.