Abdominal strain - suggestions?

[BlueCorsair]

Not sure what caused it, but 90% sure I have one, even without visiting a doc. Immediately after sitting down in my car after a particularly heavy day, the very top of my abdomen (right between the two halves of the rib-cage) felt quite crampy and sore; this is definitely more than just the "I over-worked it a bit" feeling that happens to everyone now and then.

Have been experiencing crampy/dull pain all the day after, with occasional spasms (definitely feel the top part of the abdomen twitching, at times). Occasional bouts of actual pain, but nothing too severe. Extra-strength Motrin and Aleve keeps it reasonably controlled, and from the research I've done, there's very little that I or even a doctor could do, regardless.

Two questions:

1. I don't think it's *too* bad, so when might it be appropriate to start lifting again? I'm thinking a minimum of one week. I'm going to at least try to get a decent walk in now and then, if I can handle it.

2. From what I know, this is a fairly common injury. Anyone have experience with one, or information on how they best dealt with it?

I have to say, in over ten years of lifting 'seriously', this is only the second time that I've ever actually injured myself, so I'm not particularly experienced in this area.

Any tips/suggestions would be appreciated

 

[Built]

Hon, you simply have to see a doctor. Nobody can diagnose your pain over the internet.

 

[BlueCorsair]

Hon, you simply have to see a doctor. Nobody can diagnose your pain over the internet.

I'd have seen one immediately, if I was seriously concerned; honestly, I've been a *slight* hypochondriac in past years, and if I really thought something was severely wrong, I'd have been at the doc's in a jiffy, trust me. I've never been one of "those guys" who puts off medical issues out of some sense of masculine pride. I suppose the thing that stopped me from visiting a doc straight away is the fact that I've had a couple of nasty leg muscle injuries, back when I played highly competitive ice hockey, and they hurt a hell of a lot more than this does.

Your advice is nonetheless sound, and of course, quite correct. I may go visit a doctor in the next few days, but as I never felt any "tearing" sensation, and have not had any particular nasty/sharp pains, I've been more or less content to just take it easy for the past day.

EDIT(S): Should mention I'm new to the city I moved to, and I just set up my medical coverage today! Good timing, eh? May as well put it to use!

 

[njc]

I'd have seen one immediately, if I was seriously concerned; honestly, I've been a *slight* hypochondriac in past years, and if I really thought something was severely wrong, I'd have been at the doc's in a jiffy, trust me. I've never been one of "those guys" who puts off medical issues out of some sense of masculine pride. I suppose the thing that stopped me from visiting a doc straight away is the fact that I've had a couple of nasty leg muscle injuries, back when I played highly competitive ice hockey, and they hurt a hell of a lot more than this does.

Your advice is nonetheless sound, and of course, quite correct. I may go visit a doctor in the next few days, but as I never felt any "tearing" sensation, and have not had any particular nasty/sharp pains, I've been more or less content to just take it easy for the past day.

EDIT(S): Should mention I'm new to the city I moved to, and I just set up my medical coverage today! Good timing, eh? May as well put it to use!

I think it's done more out of fear than masculine pride.