The pain of chronic pancreatitis is pain located in the epigastric or subxiphoid region and may have to be differentiated from angina, peptic ulcer, gallstones, and other conditions. Chronic pancreatitis can present as a long, persistent dull or vague pain in the epigastrium or subxiphoid region, or it can be completely resolved without pain symptoms; chronic pancreatitis, in an acute attack, is characterized by severe distending pain in the epigastrium or subxiphoid region, which can radiate to the back of the left shoulder and the left side of the waist, in a girdle-like distribution. The pain of chronic pancreatitis should be differentiated from angina, peptic ulcer, gallstones and other diseases. Angina pain is located behind the sternum, which is closer to the site of pancreatitis pain, and radiating pain from the back of the left shoulder is also present. Peptic ulcers and gallstones also have pain in the upper abdomen, and gallstones may be secondary to pancreatitis, making careful identification all the more important. If you experience pain in the upper abdomen or below the xiphoid process, seek medical attention to avoid delays.