Discomfort between shoulder blades when walking 6 miles

[ALwoman]

I am 76 years old, female and walk 8 miles a day mostly on asphalt. At about mile 6 I have discomfort in upper back between shoulder blades. I do upper body workouts of 60 repetitions three times a day. Anyone else experience this?  i don't call it pain, just pulling discomfort. I rotate shoulders and arms and hold shoulders back for temporary relief but it only returns once I resume normal walking position. 

[SunsetRunner]

@ALwoman - I’ve always found it helpful to check my posture when walking ... standing straight ... arms bent at the elbow, moving back and forth with every step. I actually developed a mantra to repeat in my head when walking and used it until the habit was reinforced. 

[chrlsfdrc]

Then it seems you have to change your walking posture, cause even stretching the pain still persists it has to be from your walking posture.

[emili]

I agree with posture being the culprit. you are tensing in a way that isn't natural to you and your body is letting you know. I would pay attention to how you are walking from the beginning of your walk to ensure you are not putting undo pressure on any parts. Don't do it to the point of taking the joy out of walking or making yourself walk funny (to you), but keep your head up, shoulders as back as possible and arms at a comfortable bend- if you keep them at chest level during your walk. 

[DavideFitbit]

Thank you for sharing this inquiry @ALwoman! 

Sometimes I have a bit of pain as well, but I definitely agree that it's related to posture. I've always struggled to stand up straight and I have to constantly remind myself to walk with a good posture, this really helps to prevent back pain. 

Let us know how it goes and if you continue to experience discomfort! 

[betpchem]

For me, it has to do with what I'm wearing. In the winter, when I have a heavy coat on, that's when my back hurts. I think the coat affects my posture. 

[DavideFitbit]

That's very interesting, I feel the same way about coats @betpchem.

Now I try to wear lighter coats or sweaters because I do feel they make my back hurt a little bit, but it's difficult when it gets very cold.  

[BrendaFreiheit]

That is amazing how far you walk each day and the number of upper-body workouts, too!  Very, very impressive!  Best wishes on the pain relief.  It sounds like most are saying to check the walking posture.  Maybe lower the number of pounds you are lifting for some of the exercises, too, to see if that helps give some relief?  Best wishes!    

[Vidd]

HI, @ALwoman,  It's also worth considering whether your problem is caused by a trapped nerve.  I have something somewhat similar, especially when you mention how you get the temporary relief.  I grit my teeth and walk through it, and it goes when I rest.