How do I know if I have Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES)?
What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES). People who have experience in Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES) offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment
Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (ACNES) is a condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain caused by entrapment or irritation of the anterior cutaneous nerves in the abdominal wall. It is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other abdominal conditions.
The most common symptom of ACNES is localized abdominal pain. The pain is typically described as sharp, stabbing, or burning and is usually confined to a small area on the abdominal wall. The pain may worsen with movement, coughing, or deep breathing. It is important to note that the pain does not radiate to other areas of the body.
ACNES pain is often triggered by specific movements or activities. Activities that involve repetitive or prolonged bending, twisting, or stretching of the abdominal muscles can exacerbate the pain. Patients may notice that certain positions or actions consistently provoke the discomfort.
Physical examination is crucial in diagnosing ACNES. A healthcare professional will perform a thorough examination of the abdomen, focusing on the area of pain. The presence of tender points along the course of the anterior cutaneous nerves is a key diagnostic finding. These tender points are usually located in the midline of the abdomen, between the navel and the lower rib cage.
Additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions. These may include blood tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and nerve blocks. However, it is important to note that these tests are often normal in ACNES, making the physical examination findings crucial for diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, treatment for ACNES focuses on relieving pain and improving quality of life. This can be achieved through a combination of conservative measures and medical interventions. Conservative measures include physical therapy to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve posture, as well as lifestyle modifications to avoid activities that trigger the pain. Medical interventions may include nerve blocks to provide temporary pain relief and, in some cases, surgical decompression of the entrapped nerves.
If you are experiencing chronic abdominal pain that fits the description provided, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine if ACNES is the underlying cause of your pain.
* the pain can be pointed out with one finger. Mostly on the right side of your belly button. (Some times also on the left side on a symmetric height)
* you have really heavy pains in your abdominal wall
* your belly/stomach sometimes bloats (that also makes you nauseous and don't want to eat)
* the pain is always there
* the pain is neuropathic pain (because a nerve is blocked in the abdominal wall)
* the pain can feel like a stabbing, irritating pain
Unilateral locoregional pain at the abdominal wall lasting for at least 1 month
The presence of a unilateral tender spot at the abdominal wall (a trigger point of <2 cm2 fingertip area of maximal tenderness, localized at the lateral border of the rectus abdominis)
A positive Carnett’s test
A positive skin pinch test and/or altered skin perception to light touch and/or cold at the area of the most intense pain
Normal laboratory findings with no indication of inflammation or infection, and in the absence of any surgical cause of pain
Negative imaging of the abdominal wall
Temporary positive relief in pain response of at least by 50% after injecting a local anesthetic (usually lidocaine) at the diagnostic trigger point.
Posted Aug 11, 2018 by Hiltje 3770
Posted Jun 22, 2020 by Samantha 1350
