What to Do for a Stitch in Your Side

QUESTION: Sometimes when I jog or run, I get a sudden sharp pain, usually
under my ribs. It can even come on when I am just stretching or reaching for
something on a shelf. People around here call it a "stitch". Can you please
tell me what this is and if it is dangerous in any way?
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ANSWER: People around here call it "a stitch" also. Actually, it's a muscle
cramp in the large muscle we call the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle
that contracts each time we breathe and is located under the ribs, between the
chest and the abdomen. When some of the muscles fibers that make up the
diaphragm contract too tightly (spasm) it creates the pain. The same thing
can happen to the muscles located between each rib, and that may be the
trouble you mention that occurs when stretching or reaching.
The solution to the problem lies in stretching the cramp out, putting the
fibers back in order. Usually you can accomplish this by bending over from
the waist and touching your toes with your outstretched fingers. Hold the
position for a second or two, and "rock" a little and the pain should subside.
When the pain is between the ribs, rock your torso to the opposite side from
the pain. Raise the arm on the same side as the pain over your head and try
to stretch the cramped muscles by "pushing" away. Once all the muscles fibers
are back in line you should feel a "letting go" and an easing of the painful
cramp. Incidentally, these stretching maneuvers work on all muscle cramps,
whether they occur in the diaphragm, chest wall, legs or arms