Discussion: Random side pain

Just wondering, is it normal to nearly always get a 'stitch' like pain in your left side, on what seems like the top abdominal muscle. It happens almost every time I run, and doesn't go off for between half an hour to an hour afterwards.
I stretch before and afterwards, warm up properly and don't eat loads before I go...
Any ideas?
Thanks.

I tend to get stitches like that if I am dehydrated at all.

Several times I've gotten really bad side pain right after drinking a cup of water during orienteering races, so perhaps it might have something to do with dehydration. Also, it is possible that the side pain is related to how you are running and what you are doing with your core muscles. I don't get stitches often nowadays, but when I do it usually happens when I am running downhill. I am not sure if this is because I tense up my core muscles or because I am simply running faster, but there is a definite correlation. It usually helps me to control my breathing and take long deep breaths. The pain usually goes away within a minute if I stop, but can linger for 10-20 if I don't.

Sorry I can't actually provide a solution, just some random thoughts!

Here's an earlier thread on the same subject:

http://www.attackpoint.org/discussionthread.jsp/me...

Could be anything, from indigestion, to appendicitis, to various cancers. But whatever, any abdominal pain should be checked out for possibility of more serious implications.

Hmm, thanks - bit worrying as I'm only 17! lol :)

If I was 17 I'd listen to the youngsters and make sure I'm hydrated (but not overly so). Solves an awful lot of problems.

I got side stitches when I was just starting out running and pushing too hard. Make sure you ramp up your workout and not try to do too much too soon. A little stretching as they occurred helped out (holding the arm of the affected side above your head, etc.). And check out the old thread.

I have found that changing my breathing pattern can make a side stitch go away.

i have the same problem - lots.

my remedy is the ouchie squeezy technique - squeeze the area of the stitch hard for a while. it usually works at least temporarily..but looking for a better fix??