myPBCteam

It's great that your labs have been stable for 8 years — that's a real testament to how well you've been managing things! That said, pain under the right ribs and into the shoulder is something many people with PBC experience, and there are a few reasons why it can happen.

Since the liver itself has no nerve endings, the Show Full Answer

It's great that your labs have been stable for 8 years — that's a real testament to how well you've been managing things! That said, pain under the right ribs and into the shoulder is something many people with PBC experience, and there are a few reasons why it can happen.

Since the liver itself has no nerve endings, the pain you feel is usually coming from surrounding tissues being affected. Common causes include:

- Liver inflammation — ongoing immune activity can irritate surrounding tissue
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) — can contribute to abdominal discomfort
- Ascites — fluid buildup in the abdomen causing pressure and pain
- Referred pain — pain that starts in one area but is felt somewhere else, like the shoulder or back The shoulder pain you're describing is actually very common with PBC. One myPBCteam member noted experiencing upper-right quadrant pain that also radiated into the back — which sounds very similar to what you're describing.

It's always worth mentioning any new or changing pain to your doctor, even with stable labs, just to rule out any shifts in your condition.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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