Well I don't know how pain is referred around the body. All I know is that my problems began with severe neck and shoulder pain and I mean severe. I kept telling the doctor that it came on after I ate and he looked at me as if I was mad. I had acupuncture for months and it cured it and then I found this site and started the Liver Cleanses because I saw so many of my symptoms described here. The body is mysterious and good doctors acknowledge that too. So, it may be as you said and related to your liver function.