Stitch while jogging?

Question

Sometimes when I jog I get a stitch rite at the bottom of my rib cage on my right side, always the same place. Anyone else I know that jogs gets them further down by their hips, does anyone know why this is and is it normal to get it there? Any good tips on prevention? Thank you.

Answer 1

I know that whenever I run I am prone to getting stitches on the left side in a similar area, usually do to the fact that I did improper stretching or inadequate stretching and/or I ate too soon to heading out the door. Everyone's body is different so everyone has to learn what works best for them. Prior to running I'd say that you should try to sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you, twist to one side and put both your hands on the floor and hold for a count of 5. Repeat 3 times. Important to do this on both the side you get the stitches on as well as the other side to ensure that there is a balance in your routine. Try out some other mid-torso stretches, as well as your arms and quads. You want to try to do light stretching always and never just bust out with a blistering pace. Ideally you want your first mile to be your slowest, then gradually lift the pace after you have done adequate warming up.

As far as relieving stitches on the fly what has worked for me time and again (I don't know if it's more psychological) is to focus on breathing on alternating steps. i.e. every third step so that you exhale one time as your left foot strikes, the next time as your right foot strikes. I know that has helped prevent stitches for me. If you do get a stitch don't panic. Drop your pace a bit to get your breathing under control and concentrate on exhaling as the foot on the opposite side of the stitch hits the ground. This will help loosen your diaphragm and chest muscles as well as take your mind off the stitch. Soon you will find the stitch is gone and you can pick the pace back up again.

In closing, where you get the stitch is right on cue with a classic 'stitch'. As far as "stitches" closer to the hips, it sounds like your friends have hip flexor issues which might be misinterpreted as a side stitch. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Your body is adapting to the stress  of running - most often stitches are due to something you ate too soon before running.  Just give yourself a little more time between when you last eat and when you run.   I used to get stitches and here is how you get rid of them when they occur:  As you are running and you get a stitch on, say your right side, lean down and touch the toe of your left shoe in mid stride.  It sounds crazy, but it works.  Do it for four or five strides and you'll see that it stops and doesn't come back.   Good luck with it.  - keep running!  

Answer 3

Stitches are usually caused if you drink too much water before and during exercise. And my pe teacher told me it was just because your cardiovascular system isn't fit enough yet.