Question about pain when exercising..

crazedmamaof3 · #1 (**permalink**) July 6th, 2007, 10:55 AM

Lately when I do high intensity cardio I get a really sharp pain in my side right under my ribs. Is it just my muscles spazzing out or what? I usually deal with it as long as i can, then I stop for a minute until it goes away and then start back up again? What is that???

Sanvean · #2 (**permalink**) July 6th, 2007, 02:41 PM

I used to get this ages ago when I ran track and marathons, sometimes oh man it hurt pretty darn bad. I found it bothered me the least when I drank more water and breathed properly. If it got real bad, I would bend over, press on the area and breathe deeply. My coach at the time said lots of runners get it and to make sure to drink plenty of water and stretch before I start... she called it a gas bubble, but I'm pretty sure it's not gas.

If you have concerns that it could be gallstones or something along those lines, get it checked out to ease your mind. You can also stop when you get those pains, do some deep breathing, grab a nice glass of water and get started on some pillates or yoga.

crazedmamaof3 · #3 (**permalink**) July 10th, 2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks! Im not really worried about it being anything serious since it only happens when Im doing something high intensity..im just wondering what causes it, lol! I always drink lots and lots of water and stretch, too. Atleast it goes away if I stop for a minute and breathe deeply. It just sucks!!

corndogggy · #4 (**permalink**) July 10th, 2007, 12:04 PM

Sounds like what is called "side stitches". It's pretty common. Do a google search on it and you'll get more than enough information. Drinking too much water, going too hard too fast without warming up, just being out of shape, and lots of other things can cause it.