Latissimus Dorsi Pain: When a Back Muscle Injury Affects Your Shoulder and Movement

Pain around the back or shoulder isn’t always caused by the spine or shoulder joint. Sometimes, the problem may involve the latissimus dorsi, one of the largest muscles in the upper body.

Often referred to as the “lats,” these broad muscles extend across the back and connect with the upper arm and shoulder. They play an important role in reaching, pulling, rotating the shoulder, and other upper-body movements.

Although latissimus dorsi injuries are relatively uncommon, a strain or tear can cause significant discomfort and interfere with exercise, work, sleep, and everyday activities.

What Is the Latissimus Dorsi?

The latissimus dorsi is a large, fan-shaped muscle that covers much of the back. It connects to several areas of the body, including the spine, ribs, pelvis, upper arm, and shoulder.

Your lats help you perform movements such as:

• Pulling
• Reaching forward
• Rotating the shoulder
• Moving the arms during exercise and sports

These muscles also assist with deep breathing and become active during forceful actions such as coughing and sneezing.

Because the muscle is involved in so many upper-body movements, an injury can sometimes be felt in more than one area.

What Causes a Latissimus Dorsi Injury?

Latissimus dorsi injuries most commonly occur during strenuous physical activity or trauma.

Activities involving repeated pulling or forceful movement with the arms overhead can place significant stress on the muscle.

Examples include:

• Pull-ups
• Rowing
• Weight training
• Gymnastics
• Volleyball
• Baseball pitching
• Golf
• Water skiing
• Rock climbing

Injuries may also occur during physically demanding work or other activities that place sudden or excessive stress on the upper body.

A latissimus dorsi injury may occur alongside other shoulder injuries, so persistent pain should not automatically be assumed to be a simple muscle strain.

Recognizing Latissimus Dorsi Pain

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury.

Possible signs include:

• Burning pain in the affected area
• Pain when using the arm
• Increased pain when reaching overhead
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Bruising or skin discoloration
• A noticeable lump or abnormality in the muscle

Some people may also experience abdominal discomfort with a latissimus dorsi strain.

Pain may initially improve with rest but return when exercising or performing movements that stress the muscle.

Why Can It Hurt When You Breathe?

The latissimus dorsi isn’t one of the body’s primary breathing muscles, but it can assist with respiration.

During a deep breath, the muscle helps support movement of the chest. It is also active during coughing and sneezing.

As a result, an injured or irritated latissimus dorsi may sometimes become uncomfortable during forceful breathing-related movements.

Pain with breathing, however, can have many possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to a muscle injury.

How Is a Latissimus Dorsi Injury Evaluated?

A healthcare provider may evaluate symptoms, examine the affected area, and assess shoulder and upper-body movement.

If a significant muscle tear is suspected, an MRI may be used to evaluate the severity of the injury and help guide treatment.

Because pain in this region can overlap with shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions, an accurate diagnosis is important before returning to strenuous activity.

Treatment and Recovery

Most latissimus dorsi injuries can be managed without surgery.

Rest and Ice

Early care may include temporarily avoiding exercise and movements that increase pain, swelling, or discomfort.

Cold therapy may also be used during the first few days following an acute injury.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may help:

• Reduce pain
• Restore normal movement
• Improve muscle function
• Rebuild strength and flexibility
• Support a gradual return to activity

Rehabilitation is particularly important for people returning to sports, exercise, or physically demanding occupations.

Surgery

Surgery is generally reserved for more severe injuries, particularly when a significant tear affects function or the ability to perform at a high physical level.

Preventing Latissimus Dorsi Injuries

Maintaining strength and flexibility may help reduce the risk of muscle strains and tears.

Helpful habits include:

• Strengthening the back and shoulder muscles
• Stretching regularly
• Maintaining good overall physical conditioning
• Gradually increasing workout intensity
• Using proper technique during pulling and lifting exercises
• Allowing enough recovery between strenuous workouts

Activities such as resistance training, cycling, and other strengthening exercises can help improve muscular strength and endurance when performed appropriately.

Stretching the shoulders, trunk, and surrounding muscles can also help maintain flexibility.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation

Consider medical evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent back or shoulder pain
• Significant swelling or bruising
• Burning pain following an injury
• Pain when reaching overhead
• Noticeable weakness or stiffness
• A new lump or abnormality in the muscle
• Symptoms that return whenever you exercise
• Pain that significantly interferes with normal activities

Because latissimus dorsi injuries can occur alongside other shoulder injuries, professional evaluation can help determine which structures are affected and guide an appropriate recovery plan.

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.