Stitch-like rib pain when (road) running?
3 min read
Asked by: Jennifer Reed
Stitches are supposedly the result of too much exertion on your torso and spinal muscles. Slowing down or taking a short breather from exercise can allow these muscles to relax and reduce any pain from overexertion.
What causes pain under ribs when running?
“It’s really just a muscle cramp,” said Josh Laudig, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, fitness coordinator at the Texas A&M Coastal Bend Health Education Center. “The smaller muscles around your ribs expand and constrict during your workout, and they could eventually cramp and cause side stiches.”
Why do I get a stitch in my side when running?
When running, there is increased abdominal pressure pushing up on the diaphragm. At the same time, rapid breathing can cause the lungs to press down on the diaphragm, a muscle that if “pinched” from above and below, gets less blood flow and spasms, resulting in painful side stitches.
What is runner’s stitch?
A side stitch is an intense stabbing abdominal pain under the lower edge of the ribcage that occurs during exercise. It is also called a side ache, side cramp, muscle stitch, or simply stitch, and the medical term is exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).
How do I get rid of a stitch in my ribs?
To get rid of stitches, firstly to relieve some pain, gently push your fingers into the area where you’re feeling the stitch. Try changing your breathing pattern, taking a deep breath in quickly, then hold your breath for a couple of seconds and forcibly exhale through pursed lips.
Should you run through a stitch?
So, you can certainly slow down, wait a little bit, and then continue on your run. Li agrees, noting that side stitches often go away as your body continues to warm up. However, if the pain continues, experts agree on calling it quits and giving your body a break.
What causes a stitch in your ribs?
The exact cause of a side stitch is unknown. Some studies show that a movement of blood to the diaphragm or muscles during physical activity can lead to a side stitch. But other research shows that an irritation of the lining of the abdominal and pelvic cavity may be the cause.
How do you get rid of a runner’s stitch?
Do this the next time you feel a side stitch while running coming on.
- Focus on maintaining relaxed, even breathing.
- Slow down and place your hand around the area that hurts.
- As you exhale, pinch the area between your fingers and thumb. …
- Continue this pattern for five or six breaths.
- If that doesn’t work, stop running.
How do I prevent a stitch when running?
7 Tips to avoid side stitches when running
- Eat Breakfast. Eat a light breakfast, low in fiber and fat, before a run.
- Get a breakfast 2.0 before a race. Eat your breakfast 2-3 hours before a race. …
- Warm-up before running. …
- Slow & Steady. …
- Train your upper body. …
- Control your breathing. …
- Train for strong abs.
