What exactly causes the “stitch” in your side when you run or workout?
In: Biology
Here me out. I might be wrong but I started t to think that what’s going on is your organs on the inside Are rubbing up against each other too much. I noticed that it’s very easy to get this feeling if you run after eating a good meal. So I’m thinking….my stomach is probably expanded and thus rubbing up against the organs including the lungs around it. Breathing up and down causing the m movement as well as the hopping.
So when i get that feeling what u started to do was letting as much air out of my lungs as possible so as to make room for my organs not to rub to much. I would let the air o out and hold and then breath calmly while continuing to let air out fully for like 10 breaths or so. This seems to work well for me. I would be interested I a study on this.
Isn’t that exactly where the spleen is? Isn’t the spleen a reservoir of blood? Don’t we need more blood when we have a sudden spike in O2 demand throughout the body?
I’m no scientists but I always thought it was the spleen.
My doctor told me that blood moving from the intestines (digestion mode) into the liver so it can be shunted to muscles (work mode) slightly swells the liver temporarily, causing the discomfort.
There are multiple theories as to what it actually is. From ischemia to the diaphragm, to splenic contractions which release more red blood cells into circulation to pick up more oxygen to take to the muscles.
# How much water have you had to drink?
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Unless something has been announced in the last year or so I don’t believe there is a current agreed consensus on what causes a stitch.
If I’m wrong then please send me links to the studies as this has fascinated me for years.
Do adults get “stitches”? I don’t remember having one since i was a kid. I’d probably throw up from exertion easier than having a stitch.
If it is on your left side just below ribs it is most likely the curve in your large intestine where stool is trying to move
I forget the details, but it’s a mechanical thing (possibly strained ligaments). You can get a stitch riding a motorcycle; physical exertion isn’t always necessary.
Muscle cramps are the byproduct of poor hydration and electrolyte imbalance in addition to excessive use, like working out.
Just make sure you’re hydrated, have some food a little beforehand, and keep with it. Your body will get used to the exercise and they will become less common.
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