Chest pain when exerting force may be caused by either: 1. It may be a sterile inflammation near the chest. Commonly, there is thoracic costochondritis or glabellitis, and costochondritis. In these cases, there is usually a very obvious pressure pain. If the local aseptic inflammation is strong, there will also be redness, swelling, heat, and pain, such as local skin flushing and increased skin temperature. The pain will appear or worsen when you breathe deeply, cough or move something with force.2. It may be caused by contusions or crushing injuries to the soft tissues near the chest. This is commonly caused by a contusion or laceration of the local soft tissues after accidental bruising or being crushed by something heavy. Localized swelling and pain usually occur, as well as pain when moving around or coughing, exerting, or breathing deeply.