question: I think I pulled a muscle in my lower abdomen, but it does not seem to be going away after several weeks. The pain is a stinging pain to the skin in the area. Starts right side of navel and goes across about half way to the hip. It does seem to be on the surface. Arthritis ointment give it temporary relief. No visible signs of anything on skin or under skin. Just stings when it is touched, even by clothing.