With PBC, liver pain is a real experience — even though the liver itself has no nerve endings. The discomfort comes from inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues, not the liver directly.
There are several things related to PBC that can trigger that pain:
- Liver inflammation from the immune system attacking the Show Full Answer
With PBC, liver pain is a real experience — even though the liver itself has no nerve endings. The discomfort comes from inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues, not the liver directly.
There are several things related to PBC that can trigger that pain:
- Liver inflammation from the immune system attacking the bile ducts
- Ascites — fluid buildup in the abdomen that causes bloating and pressure
- Splenomegaly — an enlarged spleen putting pressure on nearby areas
- Indentation or flattening of the outer liver tissue The pain is usually felt in the upper right part of the abdomen, but it can spread to the back, shoulder blades, or neck — this is called "referred pain," where the sensation shows up somewhere other than where it started.
As one myPBCteam member described it: *"Sharp, intense under my ribs, right flank, and radiates to my back at times."*
Pain can feel dull and achy, or sharp and stabbing — and it can come and go unpredictably. Always let your doctor know about any new or worsening pain, as it could signal a flare-up or changes in your condition.
July 20
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