One of the most common causes of gallbladder pain is gallstones (also called gallstone disease, or cholelithiasis). Gallstones occur when cholesterol and other substances found in bile form stones. When the stone passes from the gallbladder into the small intestine or become stuck in the biliary duct it can cause pain. This is called biliary colic, otherwise known as a gallbladder attack. Pain in your gallbladder can also be caused when bile backs up into the gallbladder. This causes the gallbladder to swell, and you may feel: 1  pain located in the ride side of your chest blow your rib cage, 2  pain in the back of your right shoulder blade, and.  nausea, vomiting, or gas.