Sharp Back Pain? Why Your Latissimus Dorsi Is Aching & What to Do Next

Sharp back pain can be alarming—especially when it strikes suddenly or worsens with movement. In many cases, the cause isn't your spine itself but a large, powerful muscle called the latissimus dorsi.

Understanding what this muscle does, why it hurts, and when to seek medical care can help you take the right next steps without unnecessary worry.

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What Is the Latissimus Dorsi?

The latissimus dorsi is one of the largest muscles in your body. It spans the middle to lower back and connects your spine and pelvis to your upper arm.

You use your latissimus dorsi when you:

• Pull something toward you (like rowing or pulling a door open)
• Do pull-ups or lat pulldowns
• Swing a tennis racket or golf club
• Throw a ball
• Lift objects
• Reach overhead
• Twist your torso

Because this muscle works in so many daily movements, it's vulnerable to strain and overuse.

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What Does Latissimus Dorsi Pain Feel Like?

When the latissimus dorsi is irritated or injured, pain may feel:

• Sharp or stabbing in the mid-to-lower back
• Worse with pulling, reaching, or twisting
• Tender to touch along the side of the back
• Tight or stiff
• Radiating toward the shoulder or upper arm

Unlike nerve-related back pain, latissimus dorsi pain usually changes with movement and improves with rest.

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Common Causes of Latissimus Dorsi Pain

1. Muscle Strain

A strain happens when muscle fibers stretch or tear. This is the most common cause of sharp pain in the latissimus dorsi.

It often occurs after:

• Heavy lifting
• Sudden twisting
• Intense workouts
• Poor lifting technique
• Starting a new exercise routine

Mild strains heal within a few weeks. More severe strains may take longer.

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2. Overuse Injury

Repetitive movements—especially overhead or pulling motions—can irritate the latissimus dorsi over time.

High-risk activities include:

• Swimming
• Rowing
• Baseball pitching
• Tennis
• CrossFit or weight training
• Manual labor

Overuse injuries tend to develop gradually rather than suddenly.

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3. Poor Posture

Slouching, prolonged sitting, and rounded shoulders can place constant strain on the latissimus dorsi.

Over time, this leads to:

• Muscle tightness
• Trigger points (tender knots)
• Aching or sharp pain during movement

Desk workers are particularly vulnerable.

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4. Compensation for Other Injuries

If you have shoulder, neck, or lower back issues, the latissimus dorsi may work harder to compensate. That added strain can trigger pain.

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5. Less Common but Serious Causes

Most latissimus dorsi pain is muscular. However, sharp back pain can sometimes signal a more serious issue, such as:

• Kidney infection or kidney stones
• Rib fracture
• Herniated disc
• Spinal infection
• Inflammatory conditions
• Tumors (rare)

These are uncommon but important to rule out—especially if other symptoms are present (more on that below).

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How to Tell If It's Muscle Pain vs. Something More Serious

Muscle-related latissimus dorsi pain usually:

• Gets worse with movement
• Improves with rest
• Feels tender when pressed
• Appears after activity or strain

You should seek medical care urgently if you have:

• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest
• Pain after a major fall or accident
• Weakness in arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Sharp pain with urination or blood in urine

These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

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What You Can Do for Latissimus Dorsi Pain

If your symptoms suggest a muscle strain, conservative care often works well.

1. Rest (But Not Total Immobilization)

Avoid movements that worsen pain, especially pulling or heavy lifting. Gentle movement is helpful—complete bed rest is not recommended.

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2. Ice and Heat

• Ice for the first 24–48 hours to reduce inflammation
• Heat afterward to relax tight muscles

Use for 15–20 minutes at a time.

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3. Gentle Stretching

Once sharp pain improves, gentle stretching can help:

• Overhead stretch with hands clasped
• Child's pose
• Side bends

Stretch slowly and avoid bouncing.

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4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce inflammation and pain. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have kidney disease, stomach issues, heart conditions, or take blood thinners.

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5. Physical Therapy

If pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks, a physical therapist can:

• Assess posture and movement patterns
• Strengthen supporting muscles
• Improve flexibility
• Correct lifting mechanics

Targeted rehab is often more effective than rest alone.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
• Pain is worsening instead of improving
• You have repeated episodes
• Pain limits daily activities
• You're unsure whether it's muscular

Your doctor may perform a physical exam and, if needed, imaging such as an X-ray or MRI to rule out other causes.

If you're experiencing sharp discomfort and want to better understand what might be causing it, try Ubie's free AI-powered Back pain symptom checker to get personalized insights and guidance on whether you should seek medical attention.

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Can a Latissimus Dorsi Injury Become Chronic?

Yes, if:

• The original injury wasn't fully healed
• Posture problems aren't corrected
• Strength imbalances persist
• You return to activity too quickly

Chronic tightness in the latissimus dorsi can contribute to ongoing shoulder, neck, or lower back discomfort. Addressing mechanics and strengthening surrounding muscles is key to prevention.

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How to Prevent Latissimus Dorsi Pain

Prevention is often straightforward:

• Warm up before exercise
• Use proper lifting technique
• Strengthen core and shoulder muscles
• Improve posture
• Avoid sudden increases in training intensity
• Take breaks from prolonged sitting

If you work at a desk:

• Keep your shoulders relaxed
• Sit upright
• Adjust your monitor to eye level
• Stand and stretch every 30–60 minutes

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The Bottom Line

Sharp back pain caused by the latissimus dorsi is common and usually not dangerous. Most cases stem from muscle strain, overuse, or posture problems—and improve with rest, stretching, and gradual strengthening.

However, not all back pain is muscular. Symptoms like fever, weakness, unexplained weight loss, numbness, or bladder changes should never be ignored.

If your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, speak to a doctor promptly. Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions and guide proper treatment.

And if you're unsure where your symptoms fall, consider using a free online symptom check for Back pain to better understand your next step.

Back pain can feel frightening—but in many cases, it's manageable. The key is knowing when it's likely a strained latissimus dorsi… and when it's time for medical care.