Running pains?

Question

Why is it that when people who aren't used to running go on a run, their side hurts (internally)? I'd like to start running and find this to be an aggravation and a serious turn off from running and was wondering if it can be prevented or if you just have to tough it out.

Answer 1

What happens there, is a cramp of the diaphragm. Don't people usually go for thei r first run and notice how tight their legs get, or how sore, or that their legs cramp up unkindly. Your diaphragm is the same way! It's being used to breathe much more and harder that it's been trained to, and this makes it cramp up and spasm enough to be quite painful.

The repetive pulling of the muscles of/on your diaphragm causes it to sightly stretch out the ligaments connecting it to your liver. It is that action that is believed to cause the actual pain showing up in your side on runs. However, things like being dehydrated, having too full of a stomach (the weight flops around and pulls on things harder), and running too fast all contribute the "side stitch"/"cramp"/"side hurting"

"To stop a side stitch when running, stop running and place your hand into the right side of your belly and push up, lifting the liver slightly. Inhale and exhale evenly as you push up." - From the source I listed below.

I hope this helps you!!! Feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail] ... I'm a relatively experienced runner and I'd love to help! :)



p.s. This does not work for everyone, but some people get a great reduction of ALL kinds of cramping by eating a banana or other potassium rich food before running. (Potassium is used extensively in muscle cells to trigger contractions and releases. Muscles work better when they have any fuel to turn themselves off right away instead of waiting to collect some from the stream.)

Answer 2

That is extremely unlikely unless you are breathing too quickly. I personally like to breathe in for every two or three steps and breathe out for every two. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water during the day as well, as dehydration causes these sharp pains in your sides known as cramps. Also, potassium helps prevent these cramps, so take a multi-vitamin each morning with breakfast or put a banana on your cereal or something. Hope this helps, and good luck with your running!

Answer 3

Yes, it can be prevented no matter how much you're a runner or how new you are to it. Just don't drink before a run. Also, remember to breathe properly. A lot of times, when the pain hits, you have to stop and take a fwe good breathers. It works everytime for me.

Answer 4

This is pretty common when you first start to run, also people who just begin to do aerobics experience the same thing. Try different ways of dealing with it, walk first, walk run first, try to not eat for an hour or so before the run, your insides aren't used to it! I remember years ago dealing with it when I first started myself! Your body will adjust.

Answer 5

Abdominal muscles of the diaphram. They are not in shape yet.
When you get them cramping up, stretch out big, reach for the sky and stretch. This is exactly oppisite of what you feel like doing but it works.

Answer 6

I think it might be how you breathe. I used to take short breaths and get increible cramps that killed. Then i talked to a Cross Country Coach, and she said to inhale for about 3 strides, then exhale for 3 strides. It helped me! So i suggest you try that.

Answer 7

I am not positive but I am pretty sure it has to do with what and how much you ate before you go out....it is best to wait to eat until you are done working out.......dont drink too much water and switch to a low sodium salt....

Answer 8

sometimes ur side hurts cause u ate something and the food hasnt digested still
or it can be
that it your first time running (fast or a long distance) so ur body racts this way

Answer 9

My husband says he has heard it may be a lack of water. But not 100% sure.

Answer 10

warm up first drink lots of fluids and warm down afterwards a nice lukewarm bath afterwards isnt too bad either