Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This muscle, also called the thoracic diaphragm, is the main muscle used ...

“It’s either due to the diaphragm being strained due to rapid or shallow breathing, or tension on the ligaments which connect the diaphragm to the abdominal organs,” the doctor said.

Most scientists believe the pain is caused by a reduction in blood supply to the diaphragm, causing it to cramp. The stitch is caused by fluids which the body finds hard to digest. This causes the gut ...