Running---> Rib pain

S

siksokkerskillz

0
I was running with a neighbors dog yesterday, and it ran unusually fast, so it was a challenge keeping up with it, but I figured I'd do my best. After about a mile of this, I started getting a pain like right under my left pec, but since it wasn't excruciating I'd continue for another mile. Immediately after the run, it still hurt but it wasnt' bad so I ignored it, until hours later when the pain started to become more noticeable. Now its hard for me to breath in completely, and when I do, I get this pain in my ribs.

I'm pretty athletic, but its been awhile since I've done anything really extensive.
So is this pain normal. I've felt something like this before, but only immediately after running, when I'm still breathing heavily, and to a lesser degree. But now its lasted over 24 hours.
 
It almost sounds like a side stitch....I get those when I haven't warmed up enough and run too hard. BUT they usually go away a short time after a run. Give it a day and see where it is. If it's still that painful, a trip to your doctor might be in order.
 
when you were running were you breathing rights cuz if your not breathing the right way thats what couzes it in my oppinion your spossed to breath in your nose and out your mouth at all times
 
I just experienced the very same symptoms

Hi there, I just experienced the very same symptoms as siksokkerskillz. I exercise regularly, mostly jogging for 1 hour about 4 times a week, I'm 37, 1m80 and 80kg. Last night I played soccer for 2 hours, running like a desperate rabbit. I drank abundantly (1 litre of water and 1 litre of pocari sweat -- a "health" drink). After the game I felt a small pain in the chest, just below the nipple, opposite side to the heart, which I assumed was a benign side stitch. Next day (this morning) I'm in pain, feels like my lung has come apart or something. If anyone here knows what this is, please post! many thanks,
 
web-search yields some (weird) clues

The Side Stitch
From Elizabeth Quinn,
Your Guide to Sports Medicine.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Muscle Cramps in Athletes

Most of us experience them at one time or another. That sharp twinge of pain just below the rib cage usually on the right. It is particularly common in runners and has been known to slow some down to a walk until the pain subsides.

Up until recently there was no clear explanation for the cause of this annoying cramp, also called exercise related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). Now researchers believe that the side stitch is caused by stretching the ligaments that extend from the diaphragm to the internal organs, particularly the liver. The jarring motion of running while breathing in and out stretches these ligaments. Runners tend to exhale every two or four steps. Most people exhale as the left foot hits the ground, but some people exhale when the right foot hits the ground. It is the later group who seem more prone to get side stitches.

Exhaling when the right foot hits the ground causes greater forces on the liver (which is on the right side just below the rib cage). So just as the liver is dropping down the diaphragm raises for the exhalation. It is believed this repeated stretching leads to spasms in the diaphragm.

Stopping a Side Stitch
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.

Preventing a Side Stitch
To prevent a side stitch, take even, deep breaths while running. Shallow breathing tends to increase the risk of cramping because the diaphragm is always slightly raised and never lowers far enough to allow the ligaments to relax. When this happens the diaphragm becomes stressed and a spasm or "stitch" is more likely.

Some other ways to alleviate the pain of a side stitch include:

* Time your eating. Having food in your stomach during a workout may increase cramping by creating more force on the ligaments (avoid eating one to two hours before a workout)
* Stretching may prevent or relieve a cramp. Raise your right arm straight up and lean toward the left. Hold for 30 seconds, release, then stretch the other side.
* Slow down your pace until pain lessens.
* Breathe deep to stretch the diaphragm.
* Drink before exercise; dehydration can increase muscle cramps.
* Massage or press on the area with pain. Bend forward to stretch the diaphragm and ease the pain.
* * If you continue to experience pain, see your doctor.

Source: Morton DP, Callister R. Factors influencing exercise-related transient abdominal pain. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2002 May.
 
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