ACNES Injections

Most people have no underlying cause. Several factors can cause nerves to become entrapped, including: muscle tears from injuries that healed with an internal scar abdominal wall scars from prior operations.

Clothing or belts around the abdomen that rub on the spot tightening the abdominal wall muscles by laughing, sneezing, and exercising oral contraceptive use may also increase the risk of ACNES .

ACNES can be difficult to diagnose and can be confused with other conditions that cause abdominal wall pain, such as hernias, appendicitis, or cholecystitis. There are no tests to diagnose ACNES. It can only be diagnosed by physical examination. Your doctor will look for specific things: a consistent spot in the skin that is sensitive to light touch or cold temperatures pain with pinching the skin in that spot, but not in other places pain and tenderness with tapping and pressing on that spot, but not in other places a positive Carnett’s sign, which is tenderness to pressing that worsens when the abdomen muscles are tightened by either lifting the head and shoulders or legs pain relief following injections of a local anesthetic drug and/or steroids where the pain is most intense.

ACNES stands for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. It is a cause of abdominal wall pain where small nerves in the abdominal wall become irritated or trapped.

ACNES injections deliver local anaesthetic, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication, near the affected abdominal wall nerve to help diagnose and relieve pain.

ACNES pain is often localised to one small tender spot on the abdominal wall and may worsen with movement, coughing or tensing the stomach muscles. Your specialist will assess your symptoms and examination findings.

You may feel a brief sting or pressure during the injection. The area is usually cleaned carefully, and local anaesthetic helps reduce discomfort.

Some people feel relief soon after the injection, while others may notice improvement over the following days. The response can also help confirm whether ACNES is the cause of pain.

Some patients need repeat injections or additional treatment depending on their response. Your specialist will discuss the next step based on your symptoms and level of relief.

ACNES commonly causes localised abdominal pain that can be sharp, burning or aching. The pain is often felt in one small area and may worsen with movement, coughing, exercise or tightening the abdominal muscles. 

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms, examination findings and response to treatment. Your specialist may also use imaging or other tests to rule out alternative causes of abdominal pain.

Relief varies from person to person. Some people experience long-term improvement after one treatment, while others may require repeat injections or additional therapies.

Most people can return to normal daily activities shortly after treatment. Your specialist will advise if there are any restrictions based on the medicines used and your individual circumstances.