- Prolonged pain in the chest area is usually related to breathing, posture, possible underlying diseases and injuries, and various natural variations in structure.
- The most common factor causing tension in the chest and neck muscles is superficial chest breathing, in which we use the assisting breathing muscles excessively instead of the main breathing muscle, the diaphragm.
- Pain in the chest area is most often caused by muscles and/or connective tissue.
The chest and its function
The main function of the chest is to protect the heart, lungs, and other internal organs while enabling continuous breathing, which brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide from it. The most common functional breathing disorder is superficial chest breathing pattern, in which we use the assisting breathing muscles excessively instead of the main breathing muscle, the diaphragm. Long-term superficial breathing is both a cause and a consequence of long-term tension in the neck and shoulder area, neck, and chest.
Chest pain symptoms
Most commonly, functional chest problems manifest as local or general pain, aching, pressure, muscle tension, especially in the neck and upper chest area, recurring acute episodes of pain in the middle back, and difficulty breathing easily and maintaining a relaxed posture. Chest problems can manifest as slouching, constantly changing position, and the need to stretch. Most commonly, various chest problems are related to functional disorders of the respiratory system, middle back, shoulders, and shoulder blades. Rarely one sided chest pain may be associated with cardiac symptoms. Musculoskeletal chest pain is not accompanied by other cardiac or respiratory symptoms or changes in general well-being, such as weakness, fatigue, or dizziness.
Causes of prolonged chest pain symptoms
Prolonged symptoms are usually caused by a combination of several factors rather than just one of the factors listed below.
- Functional disorders of breathing
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Anterior carriage of the head and shoulders
- All underlying diseases affecting the lungs and heart, such as asthma, high blood pressure, etc.
- Anatomical variations of the chest and mid-back, such as kyphosis, scoliosis, and pigeon chest (pectus excavatum), etc.
- Previous injuries and fractures of the chest cartilage and ribs
- Functional disorders and postural abnormalities in the hip, shoulder, and collarbone areas.
- Psychological factors, such as anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, and/or excessive mental strain.
- Lifestyle factors, such as too little or unbalanced exercise, insufficient or poor-quality sleep, and overweight.
- Local or central nervous system hypersensitivity
- Social factors, such as insufficient support from the environment or dissatisfaction with family or work matters
Treatment and rehabilitation of chest pain
Treatment and rehabilitation are tailored to each individual’s situation. The appointment focuses on manual therapy, individual exercises such as individually tailored breathing exercises, acupuncture, and lifestyle guidance.
Read more about related pain syndromes:
Cervicogenic (Neck-related) headache
Jaw pain and masticatory muscle pain
Cervical intervertebral disc prolapse
Pain in the middle back / thoracic spine
Viimeksi päivitetty 13.10.2025
