Nerve entrapment in the abdominal wall, also known as anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES), can manifest with various symptoms, arising from both direct and indirect mechanisms:
Direct Mechanisms:
- Pain: The most prominent symptom is localized pain in the area where the nerve is entrapped. This pain can be sharp, stabbing, burning, or aching. It typically worsens with movement, coughing, or straining the abdominal muscles.
- Tenderness: The area around the entrapped nerve may be tender to the touch.
- Numbness: In some cases, the affected area may experience numbness or tingling.
- Muscle weakness: Weakness in the abdominal muscles supplied by the entrapped nerve can occur.
Indirect Mechanisms:
- Referred pain: Pain from the entrapped nerve can be referred to other areas of the abdomen, back, or groin. This referred pain may be difficult to distinguish from pain originating from other organs.
- Muscle spasms: Entrapment can irritate surrounding muscles, causing them to go into spasm. These spasms can exacerbate the pain and limit movement.
- Psychological factors: Chronic pain from ACNES can lead to anxiety and depression, which can further contribute to abdominal discomfort and affect sleep and quality of life.
Specific symptoms can vary depending on the location of the entrapped nerve:
- Lateral cutaneous nerve entrapment: This causes pain in the upper or lower lateral abdomen, usually on one side.
- Ilioinguinal nerve entrapment: This leads to pain in the lower abdomen, groin, and inner thigh.
- Intercostal nerve entrapment: This affects the nerves between the ribs, causing pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back.
Resources:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://medicinainterna.net.pe/sites/default/files/Dolor%20de%20pared%20abdominal.pdf
- American Gastroenterological Association: https://gastro.org/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050728
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1001/p429.html
Remember, self-diagnosis is not recommended. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
