In a nutshell
During running or other endurance movement, a stabbing pain can arise at the side of the abdomen. This so-called side stitch typically improves when exertion is slowed or stopped. A large meal or larger amounts to drink shortly beforehand can promote it.
Why does it happen?
The exact cause is not established. Irritation of the peritoneum is among the proposed explanations; the older idea of a simply under-supplied or cramped diaphragm does not adequately explain the findings.
Frequency
Side stitch is common in physically active people, especially runners. How often episodes occur depends in part on the sport and meals around exercise.
Frequency is a qualitative description, not your individual probability.
Is it normal?
Brief, exercise-related, and self-limiting is typical.
When to seek advice
Have severe persistent abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath, or collapse assessed.
Does this happen to you?
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Sources (1)
- Morton und Callister: Exercise-Related Transient Abdominal Pain (opens a new tab)
Review of side stitch; explicitly assesses mechanisms as not conclusively established.
Editorial update: . AI-assisted research and editing; not individually reviewed by a physician. How we research
