I have this pain in my upper stomach, under my rib cage. It goes to my back and feels like I pulled a muscle. its only on my right side. Its been going on for about a week. I had the same pain about 9 years ago, without the back pain, and had my gall bladder removed after that episode. What could be the cause? I also have bowel issues and have been told my doctor that it could be irritable bowel with diarrhea. I seem to not have diarrhea the past week.