Stabbing pain in side while running?

katyjay2014

Hey everybody,
I started running in the spring nd I was doing well, but now every time I run I get this stabbing pain in my lower left abdomen. It's not cramps. It happens after maybe 2 mins only and I have to stop because continuing makes it worse. Walking is fine. At first I thought it was just dehydration but even at the beginning of a run when I'm watered I get it.

Any idea what this is or how to stop it?? I want to run but it HURTS!

Jruzer

Sounds like a stitch:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Side_stitch

SonyaCele

focus on your breathing when you are running.

socalrunner59

Side stitches. It's a running phenomena that scientist don't full understand other than its a diaphragm spasm. Since the diaphragm works hard during running, it's thought by some to be caused when the diaphragm muscles fatigue. It's a plague on runners. Stop, take deep controlled breaths. Some people say massage the area from ribs to sternum to help relax the muscle.

katyjay2014

I've never had it this bad before but I guess I haven't been running as hard before. Figured it was something simple. Thanks!!

Ultima_Morpha

I used to get terrible ones when I ran cross country in high school. Extending your arms above your head and taking a few, deep controlled breaths is how my coach taught me to alleviate them.

Do you get the hiccups a lot? I always did as a kid and that is also a diaphragm spasm. I always thought it could be related.