Side stitch

When exercising, a side stitch is an intense stabbing pain under the lower edge of the ribcage. It is also referred to as exercise related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). This pain is caused by the internal organs (like the liver and stomach) pulling downwards on the diaphragm. It is therefore more likely to occur in sports involving up and down actions – like running, jumping and horse riding.

Most of the time, side stitches occur on the right side of the body. This is due to the largest organ in the abdominal cavity, the liver, being on that side. Certain athletes also report a pain in the tip of their shoulder blade. This is believed to be because this is a referred site of pain for the diaphragm.

Preventing a side stitch

• Improve fitness
• Strengthen the diaphragm
• Strengthen core muscles (abdominals, lower back, obliques)
• Limit consumption of food and drink close to starting exercise
• Warm up properly
• Gradually increase exercise intensity
• When running
  • Exhale when the left foot hits the ground
  • Run on soft surfaces