Fitness Tip | SIDE STITCH RELIEF
It's only 5 minutes into your run before you feel it - a sharp, stabbing pain right below the side of your ribs, forcing you to keel over in pain. Called Exercise Related Transient Abdominal Pain (ETAP), most people refer to it as a "side stitch", which is caused when the diaphragm spasms.
But why does it spasm? Diaphragm spasms typically occur if the person isn't breathing deeply enough, keeping it in a ballooned state. If there is additional pressure from the organ above (the liver), it causes the diaphragm to spasm painfully.
To prevent it, simply slow your pace and concentrate on inhaling more deeply. Spasms increase with dehydration, so adequate hydration whilst exercising is a must.
If the pain still remains, don't panic - just stop running and place your hand on the right side of your stomach, where your waist narrows. Lift the skin up and inhale, exhaling when letting go. Repeat this process until the pain subsides.
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