Published on: 3/5/2025
Numbness in the lower left abdomen may be caused by a nerve problem, such as nerve entrapment or irritation in that area—conditions like anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) or intercostal neuralgia are examples.
Sometimes, nerves that provide feeling to your skin can get squeezed or irritated. When this happens, you might feel numbness, pain, or strange sensations in a small area like the lower left abdomen. One condition, called anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES), happens when a small nerve near the surface of the belly gets trapped by surrounding tissues. This can lead to numbness or discomfort in a specific spot. Another possibility is intercostal neuralgia, where the nerves that run between the ribs become irritated. Activities like heavy lifting, injury, or even repeated strain can sometimes cause these nerves to become compressed. In both cases, the numbness is a signal that the nerves are not working as well as they should. Although some studies also look at skin rashes and virus infections, the main link to numbness here is often from nerve issues. If you notice these symptoms, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor to find out the cause and learn about ways to help the nerves feel better.
(References)
Imbalzano E, Casciaro M, Quartuccio S, Minciullo PL, Cascio A, Calapai G, Gangemi S. Association between urticaria and virus infections: A systematic review. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2016 Jan-Feb;37(1):18-22. doi: 10.2500/aap.2016.37.3915. Epub 2015 Dec 3. PMID: 26637522.
Mol FMU, Maatman RC, De Joode LEGH, Van Eerten P, Scheltinga MR, Roumen R. Characteristics of 1116 Consecutive Patients Diagnosed With Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES). Ann Surg. 2021 Feb 1;273(2):373-378. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000003224. PMID: 30817351.
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