Lower Abdominal/Hip Pain: Core Muscle Strain or Other Issue?

Question
I have been having pain in my lower abdominal/hip area for a couple weeks. At first, I thought maybe PMS cramping, but its not going away and I cannot pinpoint what this is.  I have been running about 15 miles a week for about 8 months (have always done some sort of aerobic exercise or weight training) and my run yesterday it felt so tight.  I am feeling it at night when I sleep (goes from dull to pretty painful) and it hurts when I sneeze, which is making me think abdominals but the pain goes into the front of my hip also. Is it possible to pull abs just from running?  Could it just be a tight Psoas?  How do I tell the difference?  If it is pulled adominals, do I need to stop running?  Any help you can throw my way would be greatly appreciated!  
Thanks,
Renee

Answer
Hi Renee
Based on your description i would definitely say abs.The sneeze is very telling.I would rule out psoas,but it could be contributing to your situation.You should start stretching it.Running puts a lot of stress on abs and yes you could pull some.It is probably just strained.I would walk while you monitor it and rehabb with icing often and a couple of epson salt baths a week and then test it after a week and let me know.The psoas connects in lower groin and then raps around over hip to low back.Google psoas for some stretches and pictures.

All the best

John