Published on: 3/5/2025
A numb feeling in your abdomen might be caused by a nerve being squeezed or trapped. One possible condition is abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES), and others such as diabetic nerve damage may also play a role.
When you feel numbness in your abdomen, it might be because a nerve is getting compressed or irritated. One well-known cause is abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). In ACNES, a small nerve in the abdominal wall can become squeezed by the surrounding tissues, which may lead to numbness, pain, or changes in sensation in the belly area. This condition happens when the nerve is pressed too much, much like pinching a piece of string, and it interferes with the normal signals your body sends to your brain. Another possibility is diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where high blood sugar levels over time can damage your nerves. This nerve damage usually happens in your hands and feet, but sometimes it may affect other areas including your abdomen. While less common, conditions like pudendal nerve entrapment can affect the pelvic region and may rarely cause changes in sensation near the abdomen. If you continue to feel numbness or if it bothers you, talking with a doctor can help figure out the best way to address it.
(References)
Kanakarajan S, Dharmavaram S, Tadros A, Pushparaj H, Rose A. Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: A cross sectional survey of treatment outcomes. Br J Pain. 2022 Oct;16(5):538-545. doi: 10.1177/20494637221101719. Epub 2022 May 20. PMID: 36389004; PMCID: PMC9644107.
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