Latissimus dorsi pain can be hard to differentiate from other types of back or shoulder pain. You’ll usually feel it in your shoulder, back, or upper or lower arm. The pain will worsen when you reach forward, extend your arms, or reach overhead. Contact your doctor if you have trouble breathing, a fever, or abdominal pain.

Pain in the latissimus dorsi, or “lat muscle,” can happen due to overuse, or it may be a result of poor technique in sports or similar activities. Several exercises and stretches can help relieve lat pain. The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle covering the width of the middle and lower back.