Stitch
How do I know if I have a stitch?
Typically, a stitch is felt in the right upper abdomen but may also occur on the left-hand side or irradiate to upper or lower body regions. "Classic" stitch is more likely to happen to insufficiently trained people than well-prepared athletes.
What causes Stitch?
The reason for the stitch is simple. The inner organs hang from several ligaments, which, in turn, are fixed to the diaphragm, the muscular "plate" between the chest and abdomen. Liver, spleen, stomach, small intestine and colon form weight of several kilograms hanging from the diaphragm. The impact of every step forces the inner organs to move downwards. Additionally, the diaphragm moves upwards on every expiration to force air out of the lungs. This continuous up/down stress may cause a cramp in the diaphragm: stitch. SStitch occurs most often on the right-hand side because the liver is the heaviest organ and stresses the diaphragm the most.
In his research Sinclair (1951)[1] concludes that several theories have been presented to explain the mechanism responsible for the pain, including ischemia of the diaphragm; stress on the supportive visceral ligaments that attach the abdominal organs to the diaphragm; gastrointestinal ischemia or distension; cramping of the abdominal musculature; ischemic pain resulting from compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament; aggravation of the spinal nerves; and irritation of the parietal peritoneum. Of these theories, the parietal peritoneum's irritation best explains the features of Exercise-related transient abdominal pain. However, further investigations are required.
Shoulder tip pain
The diaphragm is supplied by branches of the phrenic nerve originating in the neck. It may explain the common association of stitch with shoulder tip pain.
How do I get rid of Stitch?
Should you suffer from the stitch, the first (and best) cure is to slow down or stop until the stitch is gone. If you do not want to stop, you can try to press your hand onto the part of your abdomen where the stitch is and release the pressure on expiration. Repeat this several times.
Tim Quinlivan, a PE Teacher in Australia, has found the following method works well with his young athletes:
- Slow your pace slightly
- Grasp your side where you feel the stitch just under the bottom rib and halfway between the side and the belly button. Thumb to the rear and fingers to the front
- Squeeze firmly and bend at the waist (45-90 degrees) while still running
- After about 15 metres slowing straighten
- The stitch should have gone
An alternative method based on the theory is caused by the synchronisation of the movement of the organs and the diaphragm to synchronise your breathing pattern with your running, and exhale/inhale when the foot on the non-hurting side strikes the ground.
For example: if you have a stitch on your right-hand side, change your breathing pattern so you exhale/inhale as your left foot strikes the ground.
How can I avoid Stitch?
Strengthen your abdominal muscles (core stability), keep your upper body warm, do not run too soon after meals and learn "abdominal breathing".
References
- SINCLAIR, J. D. (1951) Stitch: the side pain of athletes. The New Zealand medical journal, 50 (280), p. 607.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (1999) Stitch [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/stitch.htm [Accessed