Locations:
Search IconSearch

Side Stitch: What It Is and How To Get Rid of the Pain

The painful diaphragm spasm can be prevented by warming up before physical activity

woman having side cramps during workout

You know that pain. You’re working out, playing a pick-up game of basketball or taking a quick run, when you feel a sharp pain near your ribcage. Sometimes, it can be so painful that it stops you in your tracks.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Known as a side stitch, this type of pain is common but usually isn’t anything to be concerned about.

Exercise physiologist Christopher Travers, MS, explains what a side stitch is and what you can do to prevent one.

What is a side stitch?

A side stitch is a painful spasm of your diaphragm — the powerful muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. You’ll typically feel a persistent pain right under your ribs or a jabbing pain on your side.

In some cases, you’ll feel a sharp pain, pulling, aching or cramping on both sides of your abdomen area.

In one study of 965 athletes, side stitches affected 75% of swimmers, 69% of runners, 62% of horse riders, 52% of aerobics participants, 47% of basketball players and 32% of cyclists.

So, if you’re active or working out, your chance of experiencing one of these side stitches at some point or another is good. Even walking up a lot of stairs can bring on a side stitch.

How long does a side stitch last? That can depend. If you stop or slow down your physical activity, it may only last for a few minutes. But in some cases — especially if the cramp is intense — you may be sore in that area for a couple of days.

Why does this happen?

There’s no single reason why side stitches occur.

The leading theory suggests increased blood flow to your liver and spleen. Another theory is that pain is caused by internal organs pulling down on your diaphragm. This doesn’t explain why side stitches frequently occur in swimming, though.

Advertisement

Another possible reason could be when you eat right before any physical activity, as your body moves blood to your stomach to help with digestion leading to less blood in your diaphragm.

“There is also the chance that an imbalance of electrolytes in the blood, such as calcium, potassium and sodium, contributes to side stitches,” says Travers.

How to get rid of and prevent side stitches

It’s never fun to have to pause or stop your workout routine because of a side stitch. So, if you find yourself with a side stitch, is there anything you can do? Try one of these options:

  • Slow down. Whether you’re in a full-on sprint or just speed walking around the block, slow your pace.
  • Take deep breaths. By doing so, you’re giving your muscles time to relax. Breathe in for a few seconds, then exhale. Repeat.
  • Find the pain. Locate the area in question and use your fingers to apply pressure. This may help alleviate some of the pain.

If you’re looking to avoid a side stitch from the start, try the following:

  • Be mindful of what you eat. It’s recommended that you try not to eat for two hours leading up to your physical activity. And you want to limit any foods and drinks that have a high amount of sugar.
  • Warm up before starting your activity. Stretch for about five to 10 minutes, focusing on your sides.
  • Regulate your breathing. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
  • Drink water. Staying hydrated throughout the day is key, but don’t drink too much right be exercise, as it can put too much pressure on your diaphragm.

Overall, side stitches are common but not something that should affect your daily life. There are plenty of things you can do to prevent or stop them.

“Be mindful of your body and planning your exercise, and listen to what your body is telling you,” advises Travers.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Smiling Person briskly walking outside on sidewalk, jacket tied around waist
September 18, 2024/Heart Health
Can Walking Speed Be a Sign of Your Heart Health?

Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease

Person outside, grabbing shoulder
September 17, 2024/Orthopaedics
Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: How Can I Tell the Difference?

Both are forms of tendinopathy, but one is more of an acute injury caused by inflammation, while the other is the result of degeneration over time

Person using recumbent stationary bike at gym facility
September 12, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Benefits of Exercise for Friedreich’s Ataxia

Staying active can help increase strength and flexibility, help maintain balance and coordination, and improve overall heart health

Person doing squats on mat at home
September 4, 2024/Weight Loss
This Is How To Lose Weight the Right Way — and Keep It Off

Successful weight loss takes a long-term commitment to healthy living — create a healthy lifestyle you can keep up

Group of people outside in city, doing over-shoulder stretching
August 29, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
Dynamic vs. Static Stretching: Is One Better?

While one focuses on stretching through movement, the other requires holding poses for 30 to 90 seconds — both can have a place in your fitness routine

Person kneeled down tying running shoe on out door trail/track
August 28, 2024/Exercise & Fitness
How To Start a Running Program

With patience, planning and a little sweat, you can join the worldwide club of runners

Person sitting on grass in park, drinking from reusable water bottle, with people on bench with reusable water bottles
August 15, 2024/Primary Care
Your Water Bottle May Be Growing Mold: Here’s How To Prevent It

Mold and bacteria in your reusable water bottle can cause health issues like infections, respiratory issues and allergic reactions

Smiling person in a robe sitting in a sauna
August 12, 2024/Wellness
Get Your Sweat On: The Benefits of a Sauna

Sitting in the dry heat may help reduce stress, improve heart health and relieve pain

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad