Side Stitch

SciShow (YouTube) Channe
December 29, 2015
http://youtu.be/9sfeM2oSPY0
What's Causing That Stitch In Your Side?

Summary:

It is not exactly known how or why you get a stitch, but there are many theories out there. Many people have gotten and get a stitch while exercising. In fact 69% of runners that took part in a survey reported that they have gotten a side stitch. One theory of why people get side cramps is related to the diaphragm and the stress emitted on it. When your foot hits the pavement your diaphragm is at its peak stress and the impact adds to this stress causing pain. Another theory is that internal movement from bouncing up and down strains your ligaments in your abdomen. The most recent theory is that the two layered wall between your abdomen and diaphragm rubs together due to a lack of fluids that are missing because you are dehydrated. It is not certain but these are some of the possible reasons why people get side stitches.

Discussion:

This video is very relevant to anyone who is physically active as I believe almost everyone has gotten a side cramp while running. If we do discover what causes a side stitch we can better understand how to prevent them. However since the theories as to why we get them say that it is related to your abdominal muscles, strengthening your core could possibly help reduce the chance of getting one. Also doing sit-ups before a run has worked for me in the past and above all tips stay hydrated. If you follow all these "anti-cramp" strategies, your workout, run or training could be so much more enjoyable without a side stitch. From now on I will make sure I am hydrated, do some sit-ups and strengthen my core before a run so I do not get a side stitch.