Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Treatment
This article will explain the symptoms of side stitch, the causes of side stitch, and what treatment, including prevention, looks like. You’ll also learn when to see a healthcare provider.
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Abdominal Pain: What You Should Know
Symptoms of Side Stitch
You’ll know when you’re experiencing a side stitch. You may feel a stabbing pain near your rib cage or a sharp cramping feeling on both sides of your abdomen. While it can feel incredibly uncomfortable and limit what you’re able to do in the moment, side stitches are common and not typically a cause for concern.
Side stitch symptoms may include:
Pain Scales: Types of Scales and Using Them to Explain Pain
Causes of Side Stitch
When you get a side stitch, it’s commonly because yourdiaphragmis spasming. Thediaphragmis the muscle responsible for respiration (breathing). It’s located right under your rib cage.
The Anatomy of the Diaphragm
According to research, runners and swimmers may be more likely to experience side stitches while exercising, but it also occurs in people participating in team sports and in cyclists. One report estimates some 70% of runners may experience this type of pain.
Other causesOther reasons side stitches may develop include:Swollen spleenRib fractureMuscle strain
Other causes
Other reasons side stitches may develop include:Swollen spleenRib fractureMuscle strain
Other reasons side stitches may develop include:
If you’re experiencing severe and debilitating pain, or ongoing symptoms including cramping, pain, or any swelling that continues, it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider about what could be causing the symptoms.
How to Treat Side Stitch
Treatment for side stitch can involve stopping a stitch when it’s already happening and doing your best to prevent side stitch in the first place.
How to stop a side stitch in its tracks:
If you’re still experiencing pain, you can try walking slowly with your arms raised above your head. This helps stretch the tight muscles. If this is uncomfortable, and you have a safe spot to rest for a moment, try lying down on your back with your hips elevated. This can help ease stress on the area and reduce pain within minutes.
How to Prevent Side Stitches
Sometimes a side stitch will just happen, and it’s nothing to worry about. Still, it can be annoying to stop an activity due to pain and discomfort. If you want to prevent side stitches from occurring in the first place, try the following tips:
Sports Drinks Aren’t Always Good for Hydration
Summary
Side stitches are rarely anything to worry about. Diaphragm cramping happens during physical activity. Treatment involves slowing down, locating the pain and pressing on it, and focusing on breathing. Preventing side stitches requires meal planning around physical activity, warming up properly, remembering to breathe, and staying hydrated. Wearing a specific belt while working out may also help reduce side stitches.
A Word From Verywell
Getting a side stitch while working out or engaging in physical activity of any kind is a real pain. But it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the benefits of moving your body in the ways you love. If the fear of experiencing a side stitch while exercising is holding you back, you may want to consider talking to your healthcare provider about your concerns and learn how to prevent them before you exercise.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Nutrition.The dreaded side stitch.Eichner ER.Stitch in the side: Causes, workup, and solutions.Curr Sports Med Rep. 2006;5(6):289-292. doi:10.1097/01.csmr.0000306432.46908.b3Morton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med.2015;45:23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-zMorton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med. 2015;45(1):23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-z
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Nutrition.The dreaded side stitch.Eichner ER.Stitch in the side: Causes, workup, and solutions.Curr Sports Med Rep. 2006;5(6):289-292. doi:10.1097/01.csmr.0000306432.46908.b3Morton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med.2015;45:23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-zMorton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med. 2015;45(1):23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-z
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Food and Nutrition.The dreaded side stitch.Eichner ER.Stitch in the side: Causes, workup, and solutions.Curr Sports Med Rep. 2006;5(6):289-292. doi:10.1097/01.csmr.0000306432.46908.b3Morton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med.2015;45:23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-zMorton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med. 2015;45(1):23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-z
Food and Nutrition.The dreaded side stitch.
Eichner ER.Stitch in the side: Causes, workup, and solutions.Curr Sports Med Rep. 2006;5(6):289-292. doi:10.1097/01.csmr.0000306432.46908.b3
Morton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med.2015;45:23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-z
Morton D, Callister R.Exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP).Sports Med. 2015;45(1):23–35. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0245-z
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