Thread: Side stitch but it ain't no cramp

Sometime during my 24 hour mountain bike race this past weekend, I must have pulled something in my side. The pain started up early in the race and I just pushed through it the rest of the race. It feels like I have a cramp, but cramps don't last four days. WTF? The pain feels exactly like a cramp. It's not a terrible pain, just a nagging soreness. I played hockey last night and it didn't really bother me. It hurts more when I just walk.

Anyway, I just felt like whining. Thanks for listening.

With the wet race conditions and mud, the timing of this injury, and the lengthy duration of effort - this has to be a muscle injury probably with a local nerve involvement. Your recovery went down the tubes temporarily. What would normally be a minor pull probably got further irritated and inflammed by the prolonged effort and sizable stress load of this marathon ride. Cold compresses and avoiding further spasming (if possible) to the injury site is your best bet.

If it persists, you know what to do. In the meantime, beer is an excellent anesthetic and muscle relaxant.