Why do you get a stitch in your side?

[red_mct]

This happened to me today for the first time in years... doing Kickmax, so I am guessing I must not have been breathing correctly? Is that why you get a stitch in your side?

Also, what is the fastest way to get rid of it?

Thanks!
Marie

 

[naughtoj]

Um, I know it has something to do with your diaphragm. However, I don't know the rest. Spasming maybe?

I do know you are supposed to raise your hands over your head and breathe deeply for a few breaths.

 

[Timber99]

I can still hear my gym teacher saying "walk it off." He used to say to pinch it and keep walking, breathing through it. For what that's worth...!

I think it has something to do with breath. I don't get these nearly as often but I usually stop what I am doing, take a short rest, breathe and try to work it through by taking it easy when I start up again.

 

[JeanneMarie]

On occasion I'll get a stitch in my side while running. Unfortunately, I'm almost always 2 or 3 miles from home, so it's important that I am able to run through it.

What I have found works for me is to press with my hand very firmly on the area that hurts and exhale all the breath out of my lungs. Then inhale and press again, releasing the air again. Doing this twice usually works.

 

[skatie0569]

I was always told to stretch away from it.. like, stretch your diaphram the other way (if you get me) and breathe through it.

 

[saia11]

My husband ran cross-country and when I started running he taught me to put your hands behind your head (as though you were about to do a standard crunch, elbows out to the sides) and breath deep. It's worked consistently for me.
It happens to me most often when I've eaten too close to a workout.

 

[Dutchie42]

according to the Dutch Runners World your diaphragm cramps due to lack of oxygen to the diaphragm (cause it's a muscle) because of shallow breathing. You should slow down whatever you're doing, breath out as much as possible a couple of times to let the diaphragm relax and use proper breathing. It could also be caused because there wasn't enough time between your last meal and exercise and your stomach takes away oxygen needed elsewhere.

Dutchie