Pain in side and in shoulder while running?

filming_ghosts

Yesterday I set out for a 5 mile run (in intervals), and for the first 3 miles I was good, but around the 3rd mile I started getting pain in my left side/near my ribcage. I kept going, but then it felt like I had stabbing gas pains across my chest before it moved into my left shoulder and stayed there. I walked some more and it felt a bit better, but I have really bad health anxiety so of course I was freaking out haha. I just ran when I could and walked when I could, then my right shoulder muscle was really tight and started spazzing (probably bad form), and I had really bad pain under my right ribcage. Luckily that was at the end of my workout so I just stopped.

I had also eaten really badly for a few days before, and I was dehydrated while running. Could that be the culprit?

drgndancer

You probably had what is commonly called a "side stitch". Most likely you were a tiny bit dehydrated, nothing to worry about:

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

filming_ghosts

I get side stitches a lot while running, but I normally get them lower around my waist. *shrugs* Thanks for the article though!

RopenChoke

Completely normal. I get it from time to time in the exact same spots. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

d_Mode

Yeah...keep yourself hydrated...Pain is just weakness leaving the body!

madworld1

The same thing happens to me occasionally. I think it is air in my shoulder... sounds weird, but that's what I have chalked it up to.

californiagirl2012

I get side stitches a lot while running, but I normally get them lower around my waist. *shrugs* Thanks for the article though!

I've had those in the upper area as well, and tight shoulders from lifting at times that hurt when I run. I find that eating healthy and being hydrated are important for feeling better. I don't like to run with much food in my stomach. I used to get these a lot more earlier on but I've been running for over 30 years and rarely have problems.

You can get the stitches more often when pushing hard like with intervals. Whenever in doubt see your doctor.

ls_66

freaked me out too but after talking to my cardiologist he said that was normal and as other people have already said drink plenty of water

Mokey41

I usually get it on the right side but hydrate and make sure that you are standing up straight. Hunching over (which often happens as you tire) collapses your diaphragm. Sometimes taking really deep breaths in through your nose and putting your hands over your head will ease it.

mhotch

I have read that the pain in the side is the muscle called the diaphragm, that is cramping from short breaths. Google, it's a article I read a long time ago.

filming_ghosts

Thanks everyone I'll definitely be sure to hydrate next time!

Mama_Jag

I have the same thing, with exertion.