How to Stop Mid-Back Pain
The Latissimus Dorsi Muscle
Middle Back Pain- The latissimus dorsi muscle or “lat” is the largest muscle in the mid back. The lat helps the arms move and gives the back strength. The latissimus is frequently the cause of mid-back pain when it has knots otherwise known as trigger points in it. Injuries to the latissimus dorsi muscle can also cause shoulder pain, lower back pain, arm pain, and even abdominal pain.
The latissimus dorsi primarily functions to extend, adduct, and depress the humerus at the shoulder joint. This muscle plays a pivotal role in activities such as freestyle swimming, hanging from a rope, executing chin-ups, and pitching a baseball. Tight bras can induce trigger points within this muscle, and sleeping on one’s side with pressure on these trigger or tender points may exacerbate discomfort. Furthermore, poor posture can contribute to pain in the latissimus dorsi.
Symptoms of Latissimus Dorsi Pain
Because this muscle is a long, slack muscle, it rarely causes pain with motions that only partially stretch it. In fact, the trigger point has been ultra-activated when you feel pain at rest from this muscle. If you can’t figure out what motion causes the pain, it is probably coming from the latissimus dorsi.
Discomfort in the Latissimus dorsi can lead to pain not only in the back but also in adjacent limbs and tissues. Excessive use or overstretching may result in stiffness and unease in the upper arms, shoulders, and lower back. This strain can further trigger pain in the rhomboid muscles.
Causes of Latissimus Dorsi Injuries
As stated in the journal Clinics and Practice, professional athletes frequently experience Latissimus dorsi muscle tears due to injuries. Athletes such as golfers, skiers, baseball pitchers and tennis players, basketball enthusiasts, and gymnasts often face pain and discomfort in the Latissimus dorsi muscle.
The activities that can cause latissimus dorsi pain are:
- swinging a bat
- gymnastics stunts
- chopping wood
- canoeing
- swimming
- weightlifting
- rock climbing
- throwing or swinging a racket
- painting a ceiling
Latissimus Dorsi Pain Treatment – Mid Back Pain Relief
If you suspect you have pain or discomfort stemming from the latissimus dorsi muscle, there are several at-home remedies and techniques you can consider. However, it’s essential to consult with a medical professional to ensure an accurate diagnosis and get guidance tailored to your specific situation. Here are some general strategies for managing latissimus dorsi pain at home:
- Rest: If the pain is due to overuse or a particular activity, take a break from that activity to allow the muscle to recover.
- Cold Compress: In the initial 24-48 hours following a suspected injury, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. This can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Heat Therapy: After the initial 48 hours, applying heat can help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area. Use a warm towel or a heating pad, but avoid direct contact with the skin to prevent burns.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always use as directed and ensure there are no contraindications for you.
- Stretching: Gentle stretching can help alleviate tightness and pain. One simple stretch is to reach both arms overhead and lean to each side. Another is the “child’s pose” from yoga, which stretches the entire back.
- Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the surrounding muscles can support the latissimus dorsi and prevent future injuries. Specific exercises like rows or reverse flys using resistance bands or light weights can be beneficial.
- Massage: Gentle self-massage can help alleviate pain and improve blood flow. Using your fingers or a foam roller, apply gentle pressure and roll along the muscle’s length.
- Maintain Good Posture: Keeping a straight back and avoiding slouching can reduce unnecessary strain on the lats and surrounding muscles.
- Topical Pain Relievers: Creams or gels containing menthol, camphor, or other pain-relieving substances can be applied to the painful area.
- Epsom Salt Bath: Taking a warm bath with Epsom salts can help relax muscles and reduce severe pain.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration helps muscle function and can reduce cramping.
If the pain persists, becomes more severe, or if you experience additional symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They might recommend further interventions, such as physical therapy, to address the underlying causes and provide a more targeted treatment approach.
If you experience pain in your middle back and tension around the shoulder blades, refrain from reaching overhead for heavy items. Modify your sleeping posture: place a pillow on the bed between your armpit and chest, ensuring your arm rests between this pillow and the one under your head. It’s vital not to keep the muscles contracted for extended durations, especially when dealing with trigger points in this region. Prioritizing a restful night’s sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and pain relief.
Stretches for Mid Back Pain Relief
There are a few things you can do at home to help relieve pain in the mid back muscles. Since the muscle fibers go in several directions, you will need to do a couple of mid back stretches to loosen your tight lat muscles.
The doorway stretch: Reach your hands to the top of the doorway, with your arms straight arch your lower back, and swing your hips forward through the door. You should feel a slight stretch. Another is the Mouth Wrap Around test: take your left hand and try to touch the right side of your mouth by wrapping your arm around the back of your head. Kyron shows another stretch to relieve mid back pain in the video below.
To alleviate pain at home, consider using a tennis ball or lacrosse ball to target trigger points. Position the ball on the floor and align it with the painful spot. Apply gentle pressure, ensuring it’s not painful, to soothe the affected area. Additionally, always prioritize maintaining proper posture! [How to Relieve Shoulder Blade Pain]
How To Prevent Latissimus Dorsi Pain
The latissimus dorsi, often heralded as the broadest muscle in the back, plays a pivotal role in various upper body movements. Its health and functionality are paramount for athletes and everyday individuals alike. As with many muscles, proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of injury or strain. In the forthcoming section, we delve into strategies and best practices to prevent latissimus dorsi pain, ensuring this critical muscle remains robust and resilient throughout various activities and stages of life.
The Role of Posture in Preventing Latissimus Dorsi Pain
Good posture is not just about standing tall and looking confident; it plays a critical role in the health of our muscles, including the latissimus dorsi. By maintaining proper alignment and balance of the musculoskeletal system, we can avoid undue strain on specific muscles and ensure that weight and stress are distributed evenly across the body.
The latissimus dorsi, being one of the largest muscles in the back, directly benefits from proper postural alignment. When we slouch, hunch, or maintain other improper postures, the muscle can become overstretched or overly contracted, leading to fatigue, strain, and eventually pain. Moreover, a compromised posture can impact the muscles surrounding the lats, causing a chain reaction of tension and discomfort.
Tips to Improve Posture:
- Awareness is Key: Regularly check in with your body throughout the day. Are your shoulders hunched? Is your back rounded? Recognizing these habits is the first step to correcting them.
- Desk Ergonomics: If you spend considerable time at a desk, ensure your workspace promotes good posture. The monitor should be at eye level, and your feet should be flat on the ground with a 90-degree angle at the knees.
- Core Strengthening: The muscles in your abdomen and lower back play a pivotal role in supporting your upper body. Regularly engage in exercises like planks, bridges, pelvic tilt, and leg raises to enhance core strength.
- Stretch Regularly: Incorporate daily stretches targeting the chest, shoulders, and back to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting or standing and to help improve your range of motion.
- Invest in Support: Consider using a lumbar roll or ergonomic chair when sitting for long periods. These supports help maintain the natural curve of the spine.
By embracing the significance of good posture and actively taking steps to improve it, you not only reduce the risk of latissimus dorsi pain but also foster overall musculoskeletal health, enhancing your quality of life.
How To Stop Mid-Back Pain with Massage
The best way to find relief from latissimus dorsi muscle pain is with massage combined with the stretches in this video. However, if those two things don’t work, you may want to schedule with a physical therapist, your healthcare provider or try some gentle yoga exercises. The cat-cow pose in yoga is a good yoga pose for temporarily relieving pain in your upper and middle back.
If the pain is a new pain, you probably only need one or two massages to loosen your tight muscles and relieve stiffness. If you are having chronic pain, you will need 4-5 massages to relieve tension. Schedule online right now! We specialize in therapeutic massage to relieve back pain as well as neck pain.
