Shoulder pain may not be one of the first symptoms you would think would develop after eating cheese, but if you have gallbladder disease, eating cheese could cause shoulder pain. Cheese is high in fat, which is one of the main triggers of a gallbladder attack. Most people with gallbladder disease experience pain in the right shoulder, but you may also develop pain between the shoulder blades. Shoulder pain should be reported to your doctor immediately because it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a minor heart attack.
Gallbladder Disease
You may have gallbladder disease for years without knowing it, because many people don't experience any symptoms. The gallbladder is a sac that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down and absorb fat in foods. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, gallbladder disease is divided into two categories: inflammation of the gallbladder and the presence of gallstones. Inflammation of the gallbladder can occur when the sac becomes infected, while gallstones are deposits that form in the sac.
Cheese
After eating cheese, your gallbladder will secrete bile. If a gallstone becomes lodged in the duct, you will develop severe pain in your right abdomen and shoulder. According to CNN.com, 1 oz. of America cheese contains 9 grams of fat. Cheese is not the only food that can trigger gallbladder pain. Any food that is high in fat, such as fried foods or ice cream, can cause a gallbladder attack.
Symptoms
Your gallbladder is located in the upper-right region of your lower chest and will cause pain in your abdomen and right shoulder. The pain you feel in your shoulder is the result of referred pain. Referred pain is pain that begins in another part of your body, but is felt elsewhere. In this case, the source of pain is your gallbladder, but your brain confuses the signals, sending the sensation of pain into your right shoulder. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, chest pain and loss of appetite.
Treatment
The most common treatment for gallbladder disease is the removal of your gallbladder. If the duct of gallbladder becomes lodged with a gallstone, complications can result in death. If your gallbladder cannot be removed, your doctor may prescribe dietary changes and medications to help dissolve the gallstones.
