Has anyone experienced severe addominal strain along the rib cage area of the abs from doing twist crunches? My pain began as a pinpoint spot on the left upper ab next to the rib cage and has become a severe nusiance over 5 days to include pain when I breathe deeply or laugh or cough (very occassional). Also the pain radiates through my back to my left shoulder during the deep breath or laugh. Any information as to specific injury and heal time would be appreciated.

I've had a similar type of thing, and not just in the abdominal area. I find that when I adjust to a new routine, or if I am feeling particularly up for my training on a particular day, I might over-do it a little.

I've had a similar pain in my abs, and I've done the same thing to my calves, and biceps in the past. When you excercise, you break down muscle tissue, which then needs time to repair in between sessions. The abdominals are one of the hardest areas of the body to train effectively, and it is quite easy to over-do it.

What might have happenned is that you've torn the muscles, which may sound bad, but isn't necessarily. It means that you've worked *really* hard, and have really broken down the muscles, but they'll take more time to replenish.

Perhaps try not doing any abdominal excercise until the pain subsides, then reduce the number of reps that you're doing. This way you'll develop and will then be able to increase your reps, once your abs are a little stronger.

keep in mind you are shortening the muscles when you are building them and they may just need a good stretch. be sure you have a good stretching program in your routine and drink lots of water. i also would lay off a couple days and stretch out really good.
heal time should only be a couple weeks tops.
if still persisting you may go see the doc. take a anti inflammatory as well to assist with the pain.
good luck