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Published on: 7/15/2026

What could be the reason for numbness on the right side of my stomach?

Numbness on the right side of your stomach typically occurs when nearby nerves become irritated, compressed, or damaged. A common cause is intercostal neuralgia, a condition where the nerves running between your ribs become inflamed. Another likely explanation is chronic abdominal wall pain (ACNES), which happens when nerves in the abdominal wall get trapped or pinched, leading to numbness, tingling, or localized discomfort.

Because abdominal numbness can stem from many different causes—ranging from minor nerve irritation to conditions requiring medical attention—it's important to identify what's driving your symptoms. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on the right next steps, whether that's home care or seeing a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

The nerves that run from your ribcage to your abdominal wall can sometimes become troubled. When they are irritated or squeezed, you might feel numbness or even pain. This condition is sometimes known as intercostal neuralgia. In some cases, issues like a muscle strain, inflammation, or compression by nearby tissues can lead to chronic abdominal wall pain, which may make you feel numb.

Although other reasons like vitamin problems, toxins, or certain medications can affect nerves, they usually cause nerve issues throughout larger parts of your body rather than just one spot on your stomach. It is important to remember that many reasons could be behind such symptoms, and the exact cause can vary from person to person. If you are worried or the numbness continues, you can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes, then talk with a healthcare provider for a closer look and the right treatment.

(References)

  • Kamboj AK, Hoversten P, Oxentenko AS. Chronic Abdominal Wall Pain: A Common Yet Overlooked Etiology of Chronic Abdominal Pain. Mayo Clin Proc. 2019 Jan;94(1):139-144. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2018.09.018. PMID: 30611441.

  • Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/

  • Staff NP, Windebank AJ. Peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency, toxins, and medications. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014 Oct;20(5 Peripheral Nervous System Disorders):1293-306. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000455880.06675.5a. PMID: 25299283; PMCID: PMC4208100.

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