What Causes Right Sided Abdominal Cramps?

Posted on Thu, 8 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a cramping pain on the right side of my abdomen, below the rib cage to the right side when I sit in an airplane seat. It is like a runners cramp but isolated to one spot. It goes away gradually when I stand up. It makes travel very difficult on long trips and is concerning me. It is not a sharp pain but a discomfort. A 3 on a scale of 10. Any idea what causes this and what can I do?

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is only a muscle pull

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thank you for posting your question on Health Care Magic.
Since you say the discomfort goes away on changing position, it is definitely only a muscle pull.
And since you are overweight the position in the airplane seat must be causing it.
I would suggest the following hydrate yourself more before and during the flight.
If the discomfort is too much you could use a muscle relaxant also.
Please try to put a pillow to make that area immobile.
Avoid caffeinated drinks during the flight.
Hope this helps
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng