Why Do My Chest & Ears Hurt When I Run?

Occasional discomfort can occur when running, including pain in the chest or shoulder area and pain in the ear. This pain can signify a serious problem, but often there is a simple explanation.

Causes of Chest Pain

• Until a doctor rules out a heart condition, a runner should stop running if chest pain occurs. Pain in the chest also can be caused by muscular imbalance and bad posture. According to Dr. Steve Dischiavi, physical therapist for the Florida Panthers, training with an imbalanced body shortens the tissue in the front of the body and causes the shoulders to hunch forward, creating pain in muscles and joints.

Causes of Ear Pain

• Running causes blood from all over the body to be diverted to the muscles, constricting the blood vessels in the ears. This lowers oxygen levels and can stimulate pain receptors in the ears, especially in cold weather. If ear pain continues, contact a doctor to rule out an ear infection or other condition.

Treatment

• A balanced physique can be created by toning the back muscles as well as the front muscles, says Callum Keith-King, a personal trainer at Diakadi Body Personal Training and Wellness Center. Stretching the shoulder, back and chest muscles before and after a run will loosen and relieve those areas. Wearing a hat or headband in cooler weather will warm your ears and prevent further constriction of the blood vessels.