Why do you get side stitches when running?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Diaphragm muscle spasms
Diaphragm muscle spasms ✓ — Correct! The diaphragm (breathing muscle under your ribs) can cramp when blood flow is diverted to leg muscles. Shallow breathing and eating before running make it worse. Slow down and breathe deeply to fix it!
Muscles cramp from lactic acid — Wrong. Side stitches aren't caused by lactic acid buildup in muscles. They're diaphragm spasms, likely from the jolting motion of running stressing the ligaments that support your internal organs.
Lungs are overworking — Wrong. Your lungs don't cause the pain. The diaphragm muscle that powers breathing is what cramps and causes side stitches.