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A myPBCteam Member asked a question 💭
Montvale, VA
November 16, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with lower back pain that radiates down the legs, with several noting connections to Sjögren's syndrome,... Read more

Members shared their experiences with lower back pain that radiates down the legs, with several noting connections to Sjögren's syndrome, small fiber neuropathy, and sciatica, while others attributed their pain to prolonged sitting, fatigue, or lifestyle factors. A particularly powerful story emerged from a member who self-advocated for a bone density scan after their doctor dismissed concerns, discovering severe PBC-related osteoporosis and learning that standard bisphosphonate treatments may not be effective for this condition. A recurring theme was the frustration of long wait times for specialist care, the importance of knowing your body and pushing for necessary tests, and the challenge of managing multiple overlapping conditions while navigating an often dismissive healthcare system.

A myPBCteam Member

Wow, I am glad you advocated for yourself and found out sooner than later. I just booked my bone density scan and it’s in April!! This will be my baseline, or so I thought! Did your doctor give you anything that helps your bones and /or the pain you have been experiencing? I have RA, so curious how you are managing.

November 19, 2025
A myPBCteam Member

Yes I have a low back pain. I am a male close to 60 y/o. I talked to my Doctor about it 3 weeks ago, my Dr. dismissed it. I requested my Dr. to give me a requisition for bone densitometry test, also known as a bone mineral density (BMD), he very hesitantly gave it to me and told me to go to the Local Hospital for the Scan. I called the Local Hospital Imaging Dept and asked them how long is the wait? they told me 2-3 months. Then I called the private pay imaging lab, they told me it will cost me $200.00 and they will do the scan the same day. I went to a Pvt lab, it took them 15 minutes to do the scan. They told me I have severe Osteoporosis. My T scores were over 3.1. Now my diagnosis is PBC and PBC-related severe Osteoporosis. PBC-related Osteoporosis is different than postmenopausal Osteoporosis which is quite common. Bisphosphonates like Alendronate (Fosamax), Risedronate (Actonel) are not that effective or helpful. I called my Dr.'s office after the Scan and I told them about the Scan results. There reaction was interesting. Thanks

November 17, 2025 (edited)
A myPBCteam Member

Yes i do. Have been for a couple years now. I was just diagnosis last Thursday with small nerve neuropathy. It’s not uncommon for people with Sjögren syndrome.

November 16, 2025
A myPBCteam Member

No I don’t have any low back pain or leg issues. Sometimes after sitting awhile I am very stiff when I get up …but moving around it goes away. I have stopped sugars,,bad carbs and adding salt it really helps.

November 16, 2025
A myPBCteam Member

Low back pain with pain down legs could be nerve symptom from Sjgroen’s but could also be sciatica as well.

November 16, 2025

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