Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 7/23/2007

Question
hi, my name is Jesus, im a 15 year old male.
Now that is summer i have been trying to lose weight, but i  have noticed that when i run, after some minutes i feel pain by my right rib, im not sure  if its the rib, but it hurts by that area, it hurts when i breathe while running for several minutes..why is this?

is there something i can do  about it?

Answer
It could be a number of things:  A strain in the rib area, or it could be a "side-sticker"....a spasm caused by low oxygen.  To rule out the spasm, try breathing when your left foot hits the ground.  Or, stop the activity, and raise your arms above your head.  If it continues, have a doctor rule out any problems, and see a chiropractor to check for strain.