|Having a stitch explained|
|Around the Academy:
There are two theories explaining why we get the common stitch - BBC Sport Academy explains all.
What are the two stitch theories?
The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the stomach and abdomen from the heart and lungs.
It's one of the main muscles involved in breathing.
Most scientists believe the pain is caused by a reduction in blood supply to the diaphragm, causing it to cramp.
This causes the gut to "tug" on the ligaments connecting it to the diaphragm.
What kind of pain?
Run bent forward or stop running completely.
Squeeze a hard object such as a stone.