# What's a stitch?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-stitch/291039>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 20, 2005, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-stitch/291039 "2005-02-20T18:48:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2005, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-stitch/291039/1 "2005-02-20T18:48:45Z")

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Why do you get a stitch after heavy exercise? What are they? Is it wise to stop after getting one, or should you try and run on? Are all stitches equal, are they all caused by the same thing, or by differing parts of the body?

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**Author:** ![Catalyst](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@Catalyst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catalyst)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2005, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-stitch/291039/2 "2005-02-20T19:02:08Z")

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What exactly are you referring to when you say “stitch”? Soreness/burning while exercising is caused by the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, but you might be describing something else.

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**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2005, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-stitch/291039/3 "2005-02-20T19:02:37Z")

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The infamous [stitch in the side](http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_5/227.shtml) that occurs with running.

> [@](#):
>
> The Stitch
> 
> Description:  
> We’ve all had this one, a sudden sharp pain in the side of the upper abdomen at the base of the ribs. The side stitch typically strikes when you’re really pushing yourself and fades quickly when you slow down or stop. The stitch is particularly common for new runners still adjusting to the rigors of running.
> 
> Likely causes:  
> The pain is caused by a spasm of the diaphragm, the muscle that controls your breathing. There are a number of possible reasons for this. If your breathing isn’t controlled and disciplined, the diaphragm may be complaining. If you are running too soon after eating, your heavy stomach may literally be tugging at the ligaments connected to the diaphragm. Or you may simply be running too fast for your body’s breathing machinery to keep up.

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**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\
**Post date:** [February 20, 2005, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-stitch/291039/4 "2005-02-20T21:52:13Z")

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I’ve always found that regular breathing including a forceful exhale goes a long way in preventing a stitch when running.