Question
Hi, I was rear ended two weeks ago on a highway. Late last week I developed a burning/stinging pain to my rt upper abd. region. Could this be muscle strain from the seat belt or something else? If the area was strained from impact, how long should it last? Thank you for you advise.
Mary

Answer

Hanna Somatic Educatio Hi, Mary.

Good deduction.  I agree.

It's not a matter of "strain", however, but of reflexive protective reaction.  No damage may be involved, but soreness from muscle fatigue.

The not-so-good news is that reflexive reactions sometimes persist for a long time because the impression the accident made in memory prompts the protective reaction to continue as if the incident is still happening.

The most direct way out is somatic training, which can free you from the reflexive reaction in a few sessions of a few minutes, each.

I can make a recommendation, if you wish.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold

my related articles:
http://www.squidoo.com/Pain_Management_through_Movement_Education
http://EzineArticles.com/?id=2480539
http://www.somatics.com/page7.htm