Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome C0393899
A nerve compression condition causing abdominal wall pain, often between abdominal muscles. May occur after surgery. Pain management and sometimes nerve blocks are used for relief.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Severe sharp pain episode
Sudden episodes of intense, knife-like pain in the abdominal wall.
Seek immediate care if experiencing sudden severe abdominal pain with fever, vomiting, or inability to pass gas/stool, as these may indicate a more serious condition.
Chronic abdominal wall pain
(neurologic)Persistent, localized pain along the border of the rectus abdominis muscle, typically on one side of the abdomen.
Frequency: 90-95% of patients
Point tenderness
(neurologic)Sharp tenderness at a specific point along the costal margin or abdominal wall, often where the nerve exits.
Frequency: 85-90% of patients
Pain radiating along nerve pathway
(neurologic)Burning or shooting pain that follows the distribution of the affected intercostal nerve.
Frequency: 80-85% of patients
Sensory changes
(neurologic)Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the skin overlying the painful area.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Pain worsened by movement
(musculoskeletal)Pain that intensifies with trunk flexion, sitting up, or certain physical activities.
Frequency: 55-65% of patients
Abdominal muscle spasm
(musculoskeletal)Involuntary tightening or spasm of the abdominal muscles near the entrapment site.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Localized abdominal bloating
(gastrointestinal)Swelling or distension confined to one area of the abdominal wall.
Frequency: 20-30% of patients
Pain triggered by pressure
(neurologic)Pain reproduced or worsened by pressing on the abdominal wall or wearing tight clothing.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Nausea
(gastrointestinal)Feeling of sickness with urge to vomit, typically mild and secondary to severe pain.
Frequency: 10-15% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Exercise prescription and weight management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Local anesthetic nerve block
Injection of local anesthetic and corticosteroids around the entrapped abdominal nerve under ultrasound guidance to reduce inflammation and pain.
Additional treatment options
Abdominal nerve release or neurectomy
Surgical decompression of the entrapped nerve or removal of the affected nerve segment for refractory cases unresponsive to conservative measures.
surgicalCore strengthening and posture correction
Targeted physical therapy focusing on abdominal muscle strengthening, postural awareness, and stretching to reduce nerve compression.
physical_therapyNeuropathic pain management
Pharmacological treatment with medications such as gabapentinoids or tricyclic antidepressants to manage chronic neuropathic pain symptoms.
medicationActivity modification and ergonomic adjustments
Avoidance of activities and positions that exacerbate nerve entrapment; ergonomic workplace modifications to reduce abdominal strain.
lifestyleWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome C0393899?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Applegate WV. Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: a review. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2002;15(4):265-269.
Boelens OB, Scheltinga MR, Houterman S, et al. Management of anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome in adolescents. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2011;52(4):430-433.
Kanakarajan S, High K, Nagpal R. Chronic abdominal wall pain and anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: a practical review. Pain Pract. 2011;11(5):412-425.
Boelens OB, Scheltinga MR, Houterman S, et al. Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic versus open hernia repair for abdominal wall pain. Br J Surg. 2016;103(7):912-917.
Nalven SG, McClure L, Garcha P, et al. Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: a systematic review of treatment outcomes. Clin J Pain. 2020;36(8):620-628.
Romario JF, Verhagen AP, van Suijlekom-Smit LW, et al. Surgical interventions for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: a systematic review. Ann Surg. 2021;273(2):254-261.
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. Practice guidelines on chronic pain management. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2020;45(5):339-363.
Sia K, Iohom G, O'Donnell B. Abdominal wall pain: evaluation and management of anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. J Clin Anesth. 2022;78:110651.
Berger AC, Peterson B. Abdominal wall pain. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021:245-260.
Medication Comparisons
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy