What should I do for a side stitch?
Apr 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Side stitch (exercise-related transient abdominal pain) is typically caused by brief spasms and contractions of the respiratory muscles, resulting in localized pain. Management strategies include:
1. The simplest approach is to take a deep breath and hold it until you can no longer comfortably retain it; this helps relieve local muscle spasm and alleviate pain.
2. Limb stretching may also be effective: raise the arm on the affected side and gently stretch and bend it toward the unaffected side, which can likewise help reduce pain.
Side stitch (also known as “stitch” or “exercise-related transient abdominal pain”) is a relatively common phenomenon in daily life that can cause chest or abdominal pain; in severe cases, it may even restrict physical activity. So, what should one do when experiencing a side stitch?
What to Do for a Side Stitch
A side stitch is typically caused by transient spasms and contractions of the respiratory muscles, resulting in localized pain. Recommended management strategies include: 1. The simplest approach is deep breathing followed by breath-holding until you can no longer hold your breath—this helps relieve local muscle spasm and alleviate pain. 2. Limb stretching may also be effective: raise the arm on the affected side and gently stretch it across the body toward the unaffected side while simultaneously taking deep breaths and holding them; this too can help ease discomfort. 3. For localized pain, gentle tapping with a cupped fist over the tender area may provide relief. Alternatively, professional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interventions—including TCM massage (tuina), acupuncture, or moxibustion—may be considered as adjunctive physical therapies to improve symptoms.
Side stitches occur more frequently during cold seasons or among individuals who spend prolonged periods in air-conditioned environments. They are particularly common in middle-aged and older adults, possibly due to age-related declines in respiratory function. When engaging in physical exercise, gradually increasing intensity and maintaining adequate warmth can effectively help prevent side stitches.
Recurrent side stitches may sometimes indicate spontaneous pneumothorax. Therefore, individuals should engage in appropriate, regular physical exercise tailored to their personal fitness level to enhance lung capacity and slow age-related pulmonary functional decline—both of which can reduce the risk of spontaneous pneumothorax. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
