Numbness of Chest, Tummy or Back
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Body numbness
Numbness in the stomach
Numbness in abdomen left side
Numbness in abdomen right side
Numbness in the upper right abdomen
Numbness in the lower right abdomen
Numbness in the lower left abdomen
Numbness in the back
Numbness on both sides
Numbness of the limbs
Numbness in the left chest
Numbness in the chest
About the Symptom
This is a general term that describes a loss of sensation anywhere in the body. The feeling may also be described as "tingling", "asleep", or "heavy".
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Numbness of chest, tummy or back
Possible Causes
Generally, Numbness of chest, tummy or back can be related to:
- Spinal Cord Tumor
A spinal tumor develops within the spinal canal or spine bones. It can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability. Causes include environmental toxins and inherited syndromes like neurofibromatosis 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease.
- Hyperventilation Syndrome / Panic Attacks
An anxiety disorder in which a person has repeated and often unexpected panic attacks. These panic attacks involve a sudden onset of intense fearfulness in the absence of danger and includes physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, sweating, and dizziness.
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare condition in which the immune system damages the spinal cord and the optic nerves.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Transverse Myelitis
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Spinal Cord Intramedullary Tumor
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Numbness of chest, tummy or back may be related to these serious diseases:
- Cervical Cord Injury
Injury to the spinal cord at the neck level, often caused by falls or accidents.
- Acute Phase of Spinal Cord Injury
- Vertebral Artery Dissection
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you feel numbness in your chest, stomach, or back?
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
What could cause the left side of my chest to feel funny?
A.
There are many reasons why the left side of your chest might feel funny. It could be related to your heart, your esophagus (the tube that goes from your mouth to your stomach), or even your muscles and bones.
References:
Updated 2022 Dec 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470557/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470557/
Zhang Y, Tong Y, Wang W, Xu L. Chest pain from pill-induced esophagitis: A rare side effect of ascorbic acid. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2018 May 10;6:2050313X18775004. doi: 10.1177/2050313X18775004. PMID: 29780591; PMCID: PMC5952283.
Bond R, Duncan E, Nightingale A. Image of the month: Chest pain after cocaine use. Clin Med (Lond). 2015 Oct;15(5):497-8. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.15-5-497. PMID: 26430196; PMCID: PMC4953242.
Q.
How can anxiety lead to numbness in the chest?
A.
Anxiety can change how our body works, and this stress response may cause numbness in parts of the chest due to rapid breathing and muscle tension.
References:
Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/
Meuret AE, Tunnell N, Roque A. Anxiety Disorders and Medical Comorbidity: Treatment Implications. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1191:237-261. doi: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_15. PMID: 32002933.
Campbell KA, Madva EN, Villegas AC, Beale EE, Beach SR, Wasfy JH, Albanese AM, Huffman JC. Non-cardiac Chest Pain: A Review for the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. Psychosomatics. 2017 May-Jun;58(3):252-265. doi: 10.1016/j.psym.2016.12.003. Epub 2016 Dec 9. PMID: 28196622; PMCID: PMC5526698.
Q.
How can anxiety lead to numbness on one side of the body?
A.
Anxiety may cause numbness on one side of the body. Feeling scared or panicky can change the way you breathe and how your nerves send signals.
References:
Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/
Park JY, Kang S, Choi GS, Choi H, Hwang I. Awakening from Sleep with Numbness and Indescribable Odd Feeling: Nocturnal Panic Attack or Sleep-Related Epilepsy? Brain Sci. 2021 Jan 21;11(2):137. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11020137. PMID: 33494550; PMCID: PMC7911585.
Michopoulos V, Powers A, Gillespie CF, Ressler KJ, Jovanovic T. Inflammation in Fear- and Anxiety-Based Disorders: PTSD, GAD, and Beyond. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017 Jan;42(1):254-270. doi: 10.1038/npp.2016.146. Epub 2016 Aug 11. PMID: 27510423; PMCID: PMC5143487.
Q.
How can kidney problems lead to numbness in the body?
A.
When kidneys are not working well, waste can build up in your body and disturb the balance of minerals, which can harm your nerves and cause numbness. It's important to talk to you doctor if you have numbness in multiple body parts or chronic kidney disease of any kind.
References:
Moorthi RN, Doshi S, Fried LF, Moe SM, Sarnak MJ, Satterfield S, Schwartz AV, Shlipak M, Lange-Maia BS, Harris TB, Newman AB, Strotmeyer ES. Chronic kidney disease and peripheral nerve function in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2019 Apr 1;34(4):625-632. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfy102. PMID: 29757410; PMCID: PMC6452189.
Doshi S, Moorthi RN, Fried LF, Sarnak MJ, Satterfield S, Shlipak M, Lange-Maia BS, Newman AB, Strotmeyer ES. Chronic kidney disease as a risk factor for peripheral nerve impairment in older adults: A longitudinal analysis of Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 15;15(12):e0242406. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242406. PMID: 33320861; PMCID: PMC7737903.
Baluarte JH. Neurological Complications of Renal Disease. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2017 Feb;24(1):25-32. doi: 10.1016/j.spen.2016.12.004. Epub 2016 Dec 23. PMID: 28779862.
Q.
Is numbness in the lower abdomen common among females, and what might it indicate?
A.
Numbness in the lower abdomen is not very common and can be a sign of a nerve or spinal cord problem that may need further evaluation. It is important to talk to a doctor if you experience numbness along with other symptoms.
References:
Paganoni S, Quinn C, Salajegheh MK. Clinical reasoning: a 20-year-old woman with rapidly progressive weakness. Neurology. 2014 Jun 10;82(23):e200-4. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000499. PMID: 24960830; PMCID: PMC4118498.
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Casagranda B, Srivastava U, Heller MT. Bilateral lower-extremity numbness and ataxia in a young female runner. Radiol Case Rep. 2015 Nov 6;9(3):989. doi: 10.2484/rcr.v9i3.989. PMID: 27186259; PMCID: PMC4861891.
Q.
Is tingling in the upper right abdomen during pregnancy normal?
A.
It can be common to feel some tingling in the upper right abdomen during pregnancy because your body is changing, but you should get it checked if it bothers you or comes with other symptoms.
References:
Wilson JL, Lutz E. Recurrent anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) in three consecutive pregnancies. BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Sep 7;13(9):e234619. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-234619. PMID: 32900722; PMCID: PMC7478025.
Dhamecha R, Pajai S, Bhasin T. Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Review of Diagnosis and Management. Cureus. 2023 Jun 20;15(6):e40679. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40679. PMID: 37485109; PMCID: PMC10357893.
Kesikburun S, Güzelküçük Ü, Fidan U, Demir Y, Ergün A, Tan AK. Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a descriptive study. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2018 Nov 19;10(12):229-234. doi: 10.1177/1759720X18812449. PMID: 30515249; PMCID: PMC6262502.
Q.
What are the common causes of numbness in the chest?
A.
Chest numbness is often caused by nerve problems such as intercostal neuralgia, thoracic outlet syndrome, or nerve issues from the spine.
References:
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557450/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557450/
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Q.
What are the possible causes of numbness in the right abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the right abdomen may be caused by problems with the nerves in that area, such as a pinched nerve, nerve injury, or irritation due to another condition.
References:
Updated 2024 Mar 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556126/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556126/
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
Q.
What are the possible causes of numbness in the upper chest?
A.
Numbness in the upper chest might happen because of pressure on the nerves from conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome, pectoralis minor syndrome, or intercostal neuralgia.
References:
Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557450/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557450/
Aktaş İ, Ünlü Özkan F. Pectoralis minor syndrome. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2022 Nov 22;68(4):447-455. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2023.12037. PMID: 36589355; PMCID: PMC9791703.
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Q.
What are the potential causes of numbness on the right side of the abdomen?
A.
Numbness on the right side of the abdomen can happen when nerves in that area become irritated or compressed. This may be due to conditions such as intercostal neuralgia, meralgia paresthetica, or ilioinguinal neuralgia.
References:
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557735/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557735/
Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
Q.
What could be causing numbness in the lower right abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the lower right abdomen can happen for different reasons, such as nerve problems or issues related to nearby organs in the digestive system.
References:
Purysko AS, Remer EM, Filho HM, Bittencourt LK, Lima RV, Racy DJ. Beyond appendicitis: common and uncommon gastrointestinal causes of right lower quadrant abdominal pain at multidetector CT. Radiographics. 2011 Jul-Aug;31(4):927-47. doi: 10.1148/rg.314105065. PMID: 21768232.
Spagnoli C, Pisani F, Di Mario F, Leandro G, Gaiani F, De' Angelis GL, Fusco C. Peripheral neuropathy and gastroenterologic disorders: an overview on an underrecognized association. Acta Biomed. 2018 Dec 17;89(9-S):22-32. doi: 10.23750/abm.v89i9-S.7956. PMID: 30561392; PMCID: PMC6502186.
Pettit NR. Lower extremity pain and numbness. Emerg Med J. 2018 Jul;35(7):419-433. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2017-207248. PMID: 29930019.
Q.
What could be the connection between pain in the lower right abdomen and a numb leg?
A.
Pain in the lower right abdomen and a numb leg can sometimes be linked by a nerve called the ilioinguinal nerve. When this nerve is irritated or compressed, it may cause discomfort in both areas and you should speak with a doctor.
References:
Sherman R. Abdominal Pain. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 86.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK412/
Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
Pettit NR. Lower extremity pain and numbness. Emerg Med J. 2018 Jul;35(7):419-433. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2017-207248. PMID: 29930019.
Q.
What could cause a dull sensation in the upper right abdomen?
A.
A dull sensation in the upper right belly can be caused by issues with the gallbladder or liver. It might be due to gallstones, inflammation (like cholecystitis), or liver conditions.
References:
Revzin MV, Scoutt LM, Garner JG, Moore CL. Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Ultrasound First! J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Oct;36(10):1975-1985. doi: 10.1002/jum.14274. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28586152
Expert Panel on Gastrointestinal Imaging; Russo GK, Zaheer A, Kamel IR, Porter KK, Archer-Arroyo K, Bashir MR, Cash BD, Fung A, McCrary M, McGuire BM, Shih RD, Stowers J, Thakrar KH, Vij A, Wahab SA, Zukotynski K, Carucci LR. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Right Upper Quadrant Pain: 2022 Update. J Am Coll Radiol. 2023 May;20(5S):S211-S223. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.02.011. PMID: 37236744.
Bennett GL. Evaluating Patients with Right Upper Quadrant Pain. Radiol Clin North Am. 2015 Nov;53(6):1093-130. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2015.06.002. Epub 2015 Aug 12. PMID: 26526429.
Q.
What could cause a tingly sensation on the left side of my chest?
A.
A tingling sensation on the left side of the chest can be caused by irritation or injury to nerves in the chest or neck, or referred pain from the cervical spine. Some examples include intercostal neuralgia, cervical angina, and, though rare, problems related to the heart.
References:
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Harada T, Nakai M. Cervical Angina as a Cause of Non-Cardiac Chest Pain: A Case Report. Cureus. 2023 Mar 17;15(3):e36279. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36279. PMID: 37065290; PMCID: PMC10103829.
Shah R, Barnes A, Modi F, Royalty J, Jordan J. Right Ventricular Perforation Presenting as Tingling of the Left Breast. Cureus. 2020 Apr 26;12(4):e7839. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7839. PMID: 32467814; PMCID: PMC7250524.
Q.
What could cause numbness in my left chest?
A.
Numbness in the left chest can be caused by issues with nerves or a vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as other conditions affecting nerve signals.
References:
Badar A. Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Vitamin B12 Deficiency: An Autobiographical Case Report. Cureus. 2022 Jan 21;14(1):e21476. doi: 10.7759/cureus.21476. PMID: 35223256; PMCID: PMC8858590.
Harada T, Nakai M. Cervical Angina as a Cause of Non-Cardiac Chest Pain: A Case Report. Cureus. 2023 Mar 17;15(3):e36279. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36279. PMID: 37065290; PMCID: PMC10103829.
Shugan A. A Case Study on Differential Diagnosis of Episodic Left Arm Numbness. Neurodiagn J. 2021 Dec;61(4):196-202. doi: 10.1080/21646821.2021.1993699. Epub 2021 Nov 15. PMID: 34780702.
Q.
What could cause numbness in the left abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the left abdomen may occur when a small nerve is pinched or irritated. This can occur with conditions like cutaneous nerve entrapment syndromes or intercostal neuralgia.
References:
Pedersen KF, Roumen R, Scheltinga M, Bisgaard T. [Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome]. Ugeskr Laeger. 2019 Aug 26;181(35):V02190133. Danish. PMID: 31495364.
Maatman RC, Papen-Botterhuis NE, Scheltinga MRM, Roumen RMH. Lateral Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (LACNES): A previously unrecognized cause of intractable flank pain. Scand J Pain. 2017 Oct;17:211-217. doi: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2017.10.007. Epub 2017 Nov 5. PMID: 29111493.
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Q.
What could cause numbness in the lower right abdomen for males?
A.
Numbness in the lower right abdomen for males may be linked to nerve issues like ilioinguinal neuralgia or other local nerve irritations. It could also be found alongside conditions such as acute abdomen, where there is irritation or injury to nerves.
References:
Updated 2023 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544272/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544272/
Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459328/
Q.
What might be causing a weird feeling in my lower right abdomen?
A.
Pain or a weird feeling in the lower right side of your belly can happen for many reasons, such as muscle strain, an inflamed part of your digestive system, or even a less common issue like iliopsoas bursitis related to how you sleep.
References:
Boulet S, Milliron ML, Lund KH. It's Not Always the Appendix: An Unusual Case of Right Lower Quadrant Pain in an Emergency Department Patient Due to Iliopsoas Bursitis From Uncommon Sleep Positioning. Cureus. 2022 Feb 15;14(2):e22251. doi: 10.7759/cureus.22251. PMID: 35186610; PMCID: PMC8849435.
Teiga E, Radosevic A, Sánchez J, Busto M, Aguilar G, Maiques J, Flores D, Zugazaga A, Beltran JG, Bazán F. A rare case of right lower quadrant pain. BJR Case Rep. 2018 Oct 31;5(2):20170024. doi: 10.1259/bjrcr.20170024. PMID: 31501692; PMCID: PMC6726167.
Murali N, El Hayek SM. Abdominal Pain Mimics. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2021 Nov;39(4):839-850. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.003. Epub 2021 Sep 10. PMID: 34600641; PMCID: PMC8430370.
Q.
What might be causing numbness in my chest area?
A.
Numbness in the chest area can be due to a few different causes, such as nerve irritation from surgery or injury, issues with the cervical spine, or compression of nerves in the chest. You should see a doctor if experiencing this symptom.
References:
Christensen TJ, Horwitz DS, Kubiak EN. Natural history of anterior chest wall numbness after plating of clavicle fractures: educating patients. J Orthop Trauma. 2014 Nov;28(11):642-7. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000000095. PMID: 24662990.
Harada T, Nakai M. Cervical Angina as a Cause of Non-Cardiac Chest Pain: A Case Report. Cureus. 2023 Mar 17;15(3):e36279. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36279. PMID: 37065290; PMCID: PMC10103829.
Kaplan J, Kanwal A. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557450/
Q.
What might be causing numbness in the abdominal area?
A.
Numbness in the abdominal area can come from issues with the nerves in the belly, such as nerve entrapment (called ACNES), or from problems like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where nerves are damaged.
References:
Applegate WV. Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES): A Commonly Overlooked Cause of Abdominal Pain. Perm J. 2002 Summer;6(3):20–7. PMCID: PMC6220638.
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Updated 2024 Feb 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009/
Q.
What might be causing numbness in the lower left abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the lower left abdomen may be due to irritation or injury to a nerve, such as the ilioinguinal nerve, or could be linked to other processes affecting nerve and blood supply.
References:
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538256/
Malo FC, Acar P, Lapie V, Bédard V. Acute lower limb ischaemia secondary to intestinal occlusion. BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Apr 7;2018:bcr2016218580. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218580. PMID: 29627774; PMCID: PMC5893950.
Q.
What might be the cause of tingling in my upper back?
A.
Tingling in your upper back may be caused by irritation or damage to a nerve, such as the dorsal scapular nerve or a nerve root from the cervical spine.
References:
Muir B. Dorsal scapular nerve neuropathy: a narrative review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2017 Aug;61(2):128-144. PMID: 28928496; PMCID: PMC5596970.
Alexander CE, Weisbrod LJ, Varacallo MA. Lumbosacral Radiculopathy. [Updated 2024 Feb 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/
Updated 2024 Jan 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441828/
Q.
What might be the reason for numbness in my left breast?
A.
Numbness in your left breast might happen when nerves in the area are affected by treatments like surgery or chemotherapy, or sometimes by the cancer itself.
References:
Qin X, Cao Y. Prognostic Biomarker NUMB Is Inhibited by Breast Cancer Cell Exosomes to Promote Breast Cancer Progression. J Immunol Res. 2022 Apr 18;2022:6032076. doi: 10.1155/2022/6032076. PMID: 35478938; PMCID: PMC9038436.
Lindau ST, Pinkerton EA, Abramsohn EM, Fuller CM, Grubb D, Mendoza T, Siston AK. Importance of Breast Sensation After Mastectomy: Evidence from Three Sources. Womens Health Rep (New Rochelle). 2023 Dec 4;4(1):594-602. doi: 10.1089/whr.2023.0106. PMID: 38099078; PMCID: PMC10719638.
Zhi WI, Chen P, Kwon A, Chen C, Harte SE, Piulson L, Li S, Patil S, Mao JJ, Bao T. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer survivors: a comparison of patient-reported outcomes and quantitative sensory testing. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2019 Dec;178(3):587-595. doi: 10.1007/s10549-019-05416-4. Epub 2019 Aug 27. PMID: 31456070; PMCID: PMC6819268.
Q.
What might cause a numb feeling in the upper right abdomen during pregnancy?
A.
A numb feeling in the upper right abdomen during pregnancy might be caused by changes in the nerves, such as irritation or compression, as the body adjusts to pregnancy.
References:
Massey EW, Guidon AC. Peripheral neuropathies in pregnancy. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014 Feb;20(1 Neurology of Pregnancy):100-14. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000443839.02884.bb. PMID: 24492813; PMCID: PMC10564038.
Weimer LH. Neuromuscular disorders in pregnancy. Handb Clin Neurol. 2020;172:201-218. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-64240-0.00012-X. PMID: 32768089; PMCID: PMC7402655.
Zachariah SK, Fenn M, Jacob K, Arthungal SA, Zachariah SA. Management of acute abdomen in pregnancy: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health. 2019 Feb 8;11:119-134. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S151501. PMID: 30804686; PMCID: PMC6371947.
Q.
What might cause numbness in the left pectoral muscle?
A.
Numbness in the left pectoral muscle may happen when a nerve is irritated by a tight or overworked pectoral muscle (as in pectoralis minor syndrome) or when an intercostal nerve is involved (intercostal neuralgia).
References:
Aktaş İ, Ünlü Özkan F. Pectoralis minor syndrome. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2022 Nov 22;68(4):447-455. doi: 10.5606/tftrd.2023.12037. PMID: 36589355; PMCID: PMC9791703.
Sanders RJ, Annest SJ. Pectoralis Minor Syndrome: Subclavicular Brachial Plexus Compression. Diagnostics (Basel). 2017 Jul 28;7(3):46. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics7030046. PMID: 28788065; PMCID: PMC5617946.
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Q.
What might cause numbness in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the right upper quadrant can be caused by nerve problems from issues like intercostal neuralgia, nerve injury after surgery, or rare conditions such as polyarteritis nodosa that affect the nerves.
References:
Gago R, Shum LM, Vilá LM. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain as the initial presentation of polyarteritis nodosa. BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Feb 22;2017:bcr2016218019. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218019. PMID: 28228431; PMCID: PMC5337690.
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
van Ramshorst GH, Kleinrensink GJ, Hermans JJ, Terkivatan T, Lange JF. Abdominal wall paresis as a complication of laparoscopic surgery. Hernia. 2009 Oct;13(5):539-43. doi: 10.1007/s10029-009-0473-6. Epub 2009 Feb 12. PMID: 19212701; PMCID: PMC2759019.
Q.
What might it mean if my lower left abdominal area feels weird?
A.
Your lower left belly might feel weird for a number of reasons, and one common cause is a condition called diverticular disease. Other causes like gas or muscle strain can also lead to unusual feelings in that area.
References:
Tursi A, Elisei W, Picchio M, Giorgetti GM, Brandimarte G. Moderate to severe and prolonged left lower-abdominal pain is the best symptom characterizing symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon: a comparison with fecal calprotectin in clinical setting. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 Mar;49(3):218-21. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000094. PMID: 24583746.
Chen DP, Walayat S, Balouch IL, Martin DK, Lynch TJ. Abdominal pain with a twist: a rare presentation of acute gastric volvulus. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2017 Oct 18;7(5):325-328. doi: 10.1080/20009666.2017.1379853. PMID: 29147478; PMCID: PMC5676972.
InformedHealth.org](http://informedhealth.org/) [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Diverticular disease and diverticulitis. [Updated 2021 Dec 28]. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507004/
Q.
Why does my back feel both numb and tingly, and when should I seek help?
A.
Numbness and tingling in your back can happen when nerves are squeezed or irritated, and you should seek help if the symptoms worsen or other warning signs show up.
References:
Updated 2023 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/
Updated 2024 Jan 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/
Tofthagen C, Visovsky C, Dominic S, McMillan S. Neuropathic symptoms, physical and emotional well-being, and quality of life at the end of life. Support Care Cancer. 2019 Sep;27(9):3357-3364. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4627-x. Epub 2019 Jan 9. PMID: 30623244; PMCID: PMC6616011.
Q.
Why might I experience numbness in the right upper quadrant of my abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the right upper part of your stomach could happen when a nerve is being pressed upon or damaged. This might be due to conditions like nerve problems from diabetes, nerve compression from spinal issues, or pain from nearby areas that seems to come from the abdominal wall.
References:
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Updated 2024 Feb 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009/
Park SY, Ahn SK, Kim HY, Shin JY, Min S. Referred pain in right arm from abdominal wall pseudoaneurysm. Korean J Pain. 2013 Apr;26(2):191-4. doi: 10.3344/kjp.2013.26.2.191. Epub 2013 Apr 3. PMID: 23614085; PMCID: PMC3629350.
Q.
How can I alleviate numbness in my back?
A.
Calming numbness in the back often means reducing pressure or irritation on the nerves. This can be done with treatments like physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery when needed.
References:
Huang P, Sengupta DK. How fast pain, numbness, and paresthesia resolves after lumbar nerve root decompression: a retrospective study of patient's self-reported computerized pain drawing. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2014 Apr 15;39(8):E529-36. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000240. PMID: 24480941.
Baron R, Binder A, Attal N, Casale R, Dickenson AH, Treede RD. Neuropathic low back pain in clinical practice. Eur J Pain. 2016 Jul;20(6):861-73. doi: 10.1002/ejp.838. Epub 2016 Mar 2. PMID: 26935254; PMCID: PMC5069616.
Bielewicz J, Kamieniak M, Szymoniuk M, Litak J, Czyżewski W, Kamieniak P. Diagnosis and Management of Neuropathic Pain in Spine Diseases. J Clin Med. 2023 Feb 9;12(4):1380. doi: 10.3390/jcm12041380. PMID: 36835916; PMCID: PMC9961043.
Q.
How does a pinched nerve lead to numbness on one side of the body?
A.
A pinched nerve is when pressure on a nerve stops it from sending clear messages to your brain, which can make you feel numb on one side of your body.
References:
Updated 2024 Jan 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441828/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441828/
Stucky CL, Mikesell AR. Cutaneous pain in disorders affecting peripheral nerves. Neurosci Lett. 2021 Nov 20;765:136233. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136233. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34506882; PMCID: PMC8579816.
National Research Council (US) Steering Committee for the Workshop on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: The Research Base. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Report, Workshop Summary, and Workshop Papers. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. Biological Response of Peripheral Nerves to Loading: Pathophysiology of Nerve Compression Syndromes and Vibration Induced Neuropathy.
Q.
Is it common to experience stomach numbness after a C-section, and how long does it last?
A.
Stomach numbness after a C-section is not very common and usually goes away within a few hours to a day. If numbness lasts longer, it may warrant a discussion with your doctor.
References:
Fassoulaki A, Staikou C, Tsaroucha A, Micha G, Paraskeva A. Acute and Chronic Pain after Cesarean Delivery under Subarachnoid Anaesthesia. Is Postoperative Analgesia Adequate? A Cohort Observational Study. Maedica (Bucur). 2021 Mar;16(1):41-47. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2020.16.1.41. PMID: 34221155; PMCID: PMC8224706.
Hussen I, Worku M, Geleta D, Mahamed AA, Abebe M, Molla W, Wudneh A, Temesgen T, Figa Z, Tadesse M. Post-operative pain and associated factors after cesarean section at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Aug 9;81:104321. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104321. PMID: 36147153; PMCID: PMC9486444.
Salaria ON, Kannan M, Kerner B, Goldman H. A Rare Complication of a TAP Block Performed after Caesarean Delivery. Case Rep Anesthesiol. 2017;2017:1072576. doi: 10.1155/2017/1072576. Epub 2017 Oct 29. PMID: 29214081; PMCID: PMC5682055.
Q.
Is numbness on the stomach normal during pregnancy, and what should I do about it?
A.
Some pregnant women may feel numbness in their stomach due to the changes in their body, but you should talk with your healthcare provider if it bothers you or worsens.
References:
Veljovic F, Straus S, Karabdic I, Masic I. Spinal Column and Abdominal Muscles Loading in Pregnant Women Dependent on Working Postures. Acta Inform Med. 2019 Mar;27(1):54-57. doi: 10.5455/aim.2019.27.54-57. PMID: 31213745; PMCID: PMC6511277.
Gregory DS, Wu V, Tuladhar P. The Pregnant Patient: Managing Common Acute Medical Problems. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Nov 1;98(9):595-602. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 1;99(11):666. Erratum in: Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 1;99(11):666. PMID: 30325641.
Massey EW, Guidon AC. Peripheral neuropathies in pregnancy. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014 Feb;20(1 Neurology of Pregnancy):100-14. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000443839.02884.bb. PMID: 24492813; PMCID: PMC10564038.
Q.
What are the common causes of numbness in the stomach area?
A.
Numbness in the stomach area can be caused by diabetic autonomic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy related to gastroparesis, or rare cases linked to demyelinating diseases.
References:
Kuźnik E, Dudkowiak R, Adamiec R, Poniewierka E. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy of the gastrointestinal tract. Prz Gastroenterol. 2020;15(2):89-93. doi: 10.5114/pg.2020.95554. Epub 2020 Jun 8. PMID: 32550939; PMCID: PMC7294968.
Moors VJ, Graveran KD, Shahsavari D, Parkman HP. A cross-sectional study describing peripheral neuropathy in patients with symptoms of gastroparesis: associations with etiology, gastrointestinal symptoms, and gastric emptying. BMC Gastroenterol. 2022 Jun 27;22(1):315. doi: 10.1186/s12876-022-02372-0. PMID: 35761166; PMCID: PMC9235138.
Ahmed K, Lal Y. Unusual case of gastroparesis leading to severe gastromegaly with demyelinating disease as a rare cause. S D Med. 2013 Nov;66(11):467-9. PMID: 24383263.
Q.
What are the possible causes of numbness in the upper right abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the upper right abdomen can sometimes be linked to nerve issues in the skin or muscles, or it can be a sign of a deeper problem like inflammation or a blood vessel condition such as polyarteritis nodosa.
References:
Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459328/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459328/
Revzin MV, Scoutt LM, Garner JG, Moore CL. Right Upper Quadrant Pain: Ultrasound First! J Ultrasound Med. 2017 Oct;36(10):1975-1985. doi: 10.1002/jum.14274. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28586152.
Gago R, Shum LM, Vilá LM. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain as the initial presentation of polyarteritis nodosa. BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Feb 22;2017:bcr2016218019. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218019. PMID: 28228431; PMCID: PMC5337690.
Q.
What could be causing a numb feeling in my abdomen?
A.
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.
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.
Updated 2024 Feb 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442009/
Updated 2023 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544272/
Q.
What could be the reason for numbness on the right side of my stomach?
A.
Numbness in the right side of your stomach can happen when the nerves here get irritated, compressed, or damaged. One common possibility is intercostal neuralgia or chronic abdominal wall pain caused by nerve involvement.
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/
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.
Q.
What could cause numbness in the lower right abdomen for females?
A.
Numbness in the lower right abdomen in females can sometimes be caused by nerve irritation or injury, such as problems with the ilioinguinal nerve or other abdominal cutaneous nerves.
References:
Patterson SL, Jafri K, Narvid JA, Margaretten M. A Young Woman With Sudden Urinary Retention and Sensory Deficits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Apr;70(4):635-642. doi: 10.1002/acr.23473. Epub 2018 Feb 18. PMID: 29125903; PMCID: PMC5876077.
Cho HM, Park DS, Kim DH, Nam HS. Diagnosis of Ilioinguinal Nerve Injury Based on Electromyography and Ultrasonography: A Case Report. Ann Rehabil Med. 2017 Aug;41(4):705-708. doi: 10.5535/arm.2017.41.4.705. Epub 2017 Aug 31. PMID: 28971057; PMCID: PMC5608680.
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.
Q.
What could lead to numbness in the upper left side of the abdomen?
A.
Numbness in the upper left side of the abdomen can be caused by nerve problems, such as issues with nerves affected by a herniated disc or irritation of abdominal wall nerves.
References:
Moffett AT, Hollander H, Berkenblit G, McArthur JC, Manesh R. Hindsight is 20/20. J Hosp Med. 2020 Apr 1;15(4):245-249. doi: 10.12788/jhm.3358. Epub 2020 Feb 11. PMID: 32118562; PMCID: PMC7850635.
Kohan L, McKenna C, Irwin A. Ilioinguinal Neuropathy. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2020 Jan 20;24(1):2. doi: 10.1007/s11916-020-0833-6. PMID: 31960176.
Fitzpatrick J, Birch N, Botchu R. Abdominal wall pseudohernia - One secondary to a thoracic extraforaminal disc herniation and other due to thoracic paracentral disc protrusion. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2022 May 16;30:101897. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2022.101897. PMID: 35646588; PMCID: PMC9133734.
Q.
What does it mean if my chest feels numb, and should I be concerned?
A.
Chest numbness can be caused by issues related to nerves or your heart, so it is important to get checked by a doctor if you are worried about your symptoms.
References:
Sussman WI, Makovitch SA, Merchant SH, Phadke J. Cervical angina: an overlooked source of noncardiac chest pain. Neurohospitalist. 2015 Jan;5(1):22-7. doi: 10.1177/1941874414550558. PMID: 25553225; PMCID: PMC4272356.
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Ängerud KH, Ericsson M, Brännström M, Sederholm Lawesson S, Strömberg A, Thylén I. Symptoms of Acute Myocardial Infarction as Described in Calls to Tele-Nurses and in Questionnaires: A Mixed-Methods Study. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2023 Mar-Apr 01;38(2):150-157. doi: 10.1097/JCN.0000000000000873. Epub 2021 Dec 3. PMID: 36156094; PMCID: PMC9924961.
Q.
What might cause numbness on the left side of my stomach?
A.
Numbness on the left side of your stomach might be due to issues with the nerves, such as nerve entrapment or nerve damage that affects the skin or even gut movement.
References:
Ohlsson B, Dahlin LB, Englund E, Veress B. Autonomic and peripheral neuropathy with reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density can be observed in patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility. Clin Case Rep. 2019 Dec 4;8(1):142-148. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.2575. PMID: 31998505; PMCID: PMC6982522.
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.
Wang L, Yuan XZ, Zhao XM, Wang FY, Wang Y. Incomplete intestinal obstruction as an initial and persistent presentation in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Dec;97(49):e13538. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000013538. PMID: 30544461; PMCID: PMC6310579.
Q.
What should I do if I frequently experience a numb feeling in my back?
A.
Frequent numbness in your back could be a sign of a nerve-related issue. It’s important to get a medical evaluation to understand what might be causing it and to find the best treatment plan.
References:
Updated 2024 Feb 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/
Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/
Updated 2022 Oct 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542220/
Q.
When should I be concerned about a numb feeling in my chest?
A.
A numb feeling in your chest may be harmless but can sometimes signal a serious problem when it occurs with other symptoms like chest pain or breathing trouble. It's important to get medical help right away if you have these additional signs.
References:
Flowers KM, Beck M, Colebaugh C, Haroutounian S, Edwards RR, Schreiber KL. Pain, numbness, or both? Distinguishing the longitudinal course and predictors of positive, painful neuropathic features vs numbness after breast cancer surgery. Pain Rep. 2021 Nov 22;6(4):e976. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000976. PMID: 34841183; PMCID: PMC8613357.
Heidarzadeh M, Elyaszadeh S, Dadkhah B, Doustkami H. Specific prodromal symptoms in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Nurs Open. 2021 Mar;8(2):582-591. doi: 10.1002/nop2.663. Epub 2020 Oct 19. PMID: 33570273; PMCID: PMC7877125.
Sussman WI, Makovitch SA, Merchant SH, Phadke J. Cervical angina: an overlooked source of noncardiac chest pain. Neurohospitalist. 2015 Jan;5(1):22-7. doi: 10.1177/1941874414550558. PMID: 25553225; PMCID: PMC4272356.
Q.
Why does my back sometimes feel numb and what should I do about it?
A.
Numbness in your back might mean a nerve is being squeezed, and it is important to have a healthcare provider look at it if the feeling bothers you or comes with pain.
References:
Updated 2024 Feb 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/
Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441989/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441989/
Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/
Q.
Why might a female experience numbness in the lower left abdomen?
A.
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.
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.
Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560865/
Q.
Why might the skin on my stomach feel numb?
A.
Your stomach skin might feel numb if a nerve in the area is being pinched or injured, as can happen in conditions like abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome or other nerve issues.
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.
Stucky CL, Mikesell AR. Cutaneous pain in disorders affecting peripheral nerves. Neurosci Lett. 2021 Nov 20;765:136233. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136233. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34506882; PMCID: PMC8579816.
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.
Q.
Why might the upper right side of my abdomen feel numb?
A.
Numbness in the upper right abdomen may be due to issues with the nerves in that area, such as nerve compression, peripheral neuropathy, or even a sign of a more complex neurological condition.
References:
Busza A, Cervantes-Arslanian AM, Kase CS. Clinical reasoning: a 32-year-old woman with right-sided numbness and word-finding difficulties. Neurology. 2014 Aug 26;83(9):e98-102. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000736. PMID: 25156357; PMCID: PMC4155047.
Updated 2023 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544272/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544272/
Spagnoli C, Pisani F, Di Mario F, Leandro G, Gaiani F, De' Angelis GL, Fusco C. Peripheral neuropathy and gastroenterologic disorders: an overview on an underrecognized association. Acta Biomed. 2018 Dec 17;89(9-S):22-32. doi: 10.23750/abm.v89i9-S.7956. PMID: 30561392; PMCID: PMC6502186.
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Our symptom checker AI is continuously refined with input from experienced physicians, empowering them to make more accurate diagnoses.
Ubie is recognized by healthcare and tech leaders
“World’s Best Digital
Health Companies”
Newsweek 2024
“Best With AI”
Google Play Best of 2023
“Best in Class”
Digital Health Awards 2023 (Quarterfinalist)
Which is the best Symptom Checker?
Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1