Associated symptoms

The complaints that accompany chest pain can provide information about its origin. If certain muscle groups are restricted in their mobility or if the pain worsens during movement, the muscles may be tensed or overstressed. A fever indicates an inflammatory disease, which is usually located in the respiratory tract and is also manifested by coughing.

Depending on the type of cough and the mucus coughed up, the disease can be further differentiated. If the sputum is bloody, a pulmonary embolism (blockage of a pulmonary vein) may be present. However, the pericardium, pleura and mediastinum (the space between the two lungs) can also become inflamed, which also manifests itself as a fever. If the chest pain is accompanied by heartburn, a reflux disease is likely, in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and attacks it. In the case of loss of appetite and digestive problems, the stomach or liver may be affected, whose pain may also radiate into the chest.

Pain between shoulder blades and chest

Pain in the upper back is often caused by tension and cramping of the muscles located there. They are usually dependent on breathing, so they become stronger as you breathe deeper. This is due to the fact that the respiratory musculature is often also affected, especially the musculus serratus posterior superior.

Tension in this area can be caused by poor posture or an incorrectly accustomed breathing technique. If, for example, the shoulders are always pulled back subconsciously when walking or sitting (for example, to correct a supposed incorrect posture), the affected muscles can no longer relax and become tense over time. During so-called chest or high breathing, the chest and neck muscles are used instead of the diaphragm to breathe, which can also tense them in the long run.

It is therefore recommended to always breathe with the diaphragm (abdominal breathing). Depending on the quality of the pain, its origin can be narrowed down: muscle tension usually manifests itself as selective, stabbing pain. If the connective tissue is affected, the pain is perceived as diffuse and widespread.To combat pain of this kind, targeted relief of the aching muscles, for example by changing posture, helps. If the complaints persist over a longer period of time, it is worth visiting a doctor or physiotherapist, who can give further tips and, if necessary, start physiotherapy.