When you have stomach cramps around the liver, you may be suffering from a side stitch, also called exercise-related transient abdominal pain. Side stitches occur during high intensity forms of exercise and can occur from stretching the ligaments between the diaphragm and the liver. Side stitches are a common occurrence in athletes and making changes to the way you exercise can relieve the abdominal pain you are experiencing.
Walking
An exercise you can do to relieve cramping around the liver is a walking workout with your hands raised above your head. Take a deep breath in and lift both hands over your head and walk at a slow and steady pace. Release your breath and lower your hands. Repeat the process until you feel relief from the cramping.
Considerations
Run on a regular basis if you want to relieve side stitch pain. You should not stop your workouts if you are developing pain around the liver during runs. According to a 2002 study in "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise," Avondale Centre for Exercise Sciences researchers found that the more frequently participants ran, the less likely they were to develop exercise-related transient abdominal pain. Additionally, it was found that you were much less likely to experience the cramping if you participate in activities such as cycling and horseback riding than running.
Deep Breathing
When you run, you need to practice good form and breathe properly. Keep your back straight and avoid hunching over while running. Deep breathing exercise can help relieve the cramping you feel around the liver. Take long and measured breaths. While exercising, push your abdomen out as you inhale. As you exhale, pull the belly button towards the spine.
Warning
One concern you may have if you feel this pain is that it is not emanating from your liver, but coming from the heart. Since the cramping can radiate up the left side, you can do a quick exercise to ensure that the pain is not from a heart attack. Lie flat on your back. Lift your legs and hips several inches off of the ground. If the cramping stops, then you should not have a concern that you are having a heart attack.
