Experiencing Pain in Upper/Lower Lats After Extended Workout
I'm an 18-year-old male standing at 183 cm tall and weighing 92 kg. Over the past three months, I've committed to a consistent training regimen and have seen encouraging results. However, my lats and upper back remain noticeably weaker than other muscle groups. Yesterday, I had planned a focused workout targeting my back, shoulders, and biceps. Instead, I ended up exercising my entire upper body, alternating between chest and back exercises in a sequence that looked like this: Chest, Back, Chest, Back, Chest, Back, followed by shoulders and arms. Additionally, I experimented with a full-body workout for the first time during this session. About two hours post-workout, I began to experience a sharp pain in my lower lats, which occasionally radiates to the upper lats depending on my position. I routinely incorporate stretching into my routine, which helps me stay flexible. Upon inspection, I noticed minimal stretch marks on my lower lats, in comparison to more significant purple lines along my shoulders. There’s also a small red mark, which I examined but found to be sensitive. When I stretch my left arm or extend it upward as if preparing for a lat pulldown, the pain drops to a mild 1 or 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. Given this discomfort, I’m considering taking a few days off from the gym. Is there cause for concern? I don’t believe it’s a torn muscle or ligament, as I don’t feel any discomfort on the right side of my back or lats. (For reference, I do not take any medications, only some vitamins.)
Answers (1)
8/24/2025, 2:22:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with discomfort in your lats after an intense workout session, which can be quite common when pushing your body, especially after trying a new workout format. It's good to hear you've been consistent with your training and that you're actively monitoring your body's response.
Key Points:
- Your pain may be due to muscle strain from increased intensity or volume in your workout.
- It's important to listen to your body and give it necessary recovery time.
Explanation:
The sharp pain you're experiencing in your lower lats could stem from several factors such as overexertion, incorrect form during exercises, or inadequate warm-up. Since you mentioned that the pain is mild when stretching, this suggests that your muscles might merely be fatigued or strained rather than severely injured. The sensitivity in the red mark you've noticed could indicate mild irritation but may not necessarily require urgent attention.
Next Steps:
-
Rest and Recovery: Take a break from upper body workouts for at least 2-3 days to allow your muscles to recover. If you decide to exercise, focus on lower-body workouts or low-impact activities like walking or cycling.
-
Ice the Area: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to help reduce any possible inflammation.
-
Gentle Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretching for your lats and upper back to help maintain flexibility without putting strain on the muscles. Avoid any stretches that exacerbate the pain.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in pain level or the presence of new symptoms. If pain intensifies or doesn't improve after a few days, further evaluation may be necessary.
-
Consider Technique: When you return to exercising, pay attention to your form, especially with back and chest exercises, as improper technique can lead to muscle strain. It may be beneficial to start with lighter weights to gauge how your body feels with movement.
If you have any more concerns or experience significant changes, remember that it’s always wise to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Take care of yourself and prioritize recovery—your body will thank you!
Related Questions
Chronic Foot Pain: Seeking Insights on Possible Causes
I'm reaching out to gather thoughts on a perplexing issue I'm facing. Since my first pregnancy back in 2020, I've been dealing with intense foot pain that appears unpredictably. It all started when I was about seven months along while working long shifts in a busy kitchen, four days a week, for eight hours each day. At the time, I dismissed the discomfort as something typical for pregnancy, but it fortunately subsided about six months after giving birth to my first child. Fast forward to late 2024, when I became pregnant with my second child. By now, I had transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, with none of the rigorous demands of my previous job. However, around three months into this new pregnancy, the foot pain reemerged and has persisted ever since. My youngest is turning two this month, which helps frame this timeline. The pain has oscillated between being severe and manageable, but the previous six months have marked a significant decline into debilitating territory. When I am at rest, I feel sharp pains in my metatarsals that radiate up to my knees. To alleviate some discomfort, I’ve been altering my walking style to shift weight more onto my heels instead of the balls of my feet. However, this adjustment has introduced a new level of discomfort in my heels. Ironically, the only relief I find is while walking. Nonetheless, excessive walking—even something as simple as taking my oldest to school for a brief ten-minute journey—leaves me nearly immobilized the following day. Currently, I’m on a regimen of 50 mg of APO-Diclofenac DR, taken twice daily, yet I’ve found no relief. Previously, I also tried 500 mg of naproxen twice a day without any positive outcomes. I've experimented with various footwear, but none have alleviated the pain. My primary care physician has arranged for bilateral x-rays and blood tests to check for conditions like gout and markers for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other things. So far, all tests have returned normal. There have been occasions where I’ve had to keep my oldest child at home from school simply because I’m unable to walk even a short distance, such as the fifty steps from my bedroom to the kitchen. Standing causes distress, and even elevating my feet while resting feels unbearable. Additionally, any gentle touch to my feet triggers intense pain that shoots up my shins. The only feedback I’ve received from my doctor so far is that it likely stems from inflammation, along with a recommendation to expedite weight loss. I had a chiropractor assess my condition, and they noted that I am hypermobile, but I’m unsure how significant that could be to my situation. If you have any questions for clarification, I’d be more than willing to respond. I’m enduring considerable pain and would greatly appreciate any suggestions on possible avenues for finding relief.
Managing Pain with Lidocaine Patches and Heating Pads
Hello everyone! I need to share something quite personal: I have been diagnosed with cancer. I realize that’s a heavy way to start, but it’s important context. Currently, I am using a lidocaine patch as a method for pain relief. However, I’ve found that my heating pad provides more comfort than the patch does. Is it advisable to remove the patch and switch to the heating pad instead? Should I clean my back prior to using the pad, even though it’s not a day I usually shower? Also, once I take off the patch, how long should I wait before applying the heating pad again? I appreciate any advice you have! For reference, I’m approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weigh around 250 pounds.
Discomfort Under My Big Toe – Seeking Diagnosis
I’m a 22-year-old male. About a week ago, I noticed a minor ache in my big toe, which didn’t bother me too much at the time, so I decided to brush it off. However, by yesterday, the discomfort had intensified significantly. I also observed some swelling and a bit of discoloration, but I'm unsure whether this issue stems from a corn, a blister, or something else entirely. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying what might be going on.
Understanding Limited Finger Mobility and Associated Discomfort
I’ve noticed that my right hand struggles with having individual finger movement. To illustrate this challenge, I recently recorded a brief video showcasing my hand's limitations. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain for several years now. Despite consulting multiple healthcare professionals, I’ve yet to receive any conclusive answers regarding my condition. I’m currently attending physical therapy, but even my therapist seems puzzled by the situation. An MRI of my neck returned results indicating only mild issues, and the same goes for my shoulder, with nothing alarming detected. I would be immensely grateful for any insights or suggestions, particularly since the discomfort has forced me to halt my weightlifting training.
Experiencing Neck Pain for Almost a Week: Is It a Cause for Concern?
I want to be open about my situation, as I've shared my concerns in a few places without much input, so I’m hoping for more engagement here. Last Saturday, January 30, I finished a lengthy car journey and felt completely fine upon returning home. However, on January 31, I woke up to excruciating pain in my neck, particularly at the junction of my cervical and thoracic spine. The discomfort made any movement difficult, and tilting my head back was particularly painful, making it challenging to drink fluids or take medication. On a pain scale, it settled at a constant 6, with episodes rising to 8 or 9. Interestingly, I hadn’t sustained any injury that could explain this sudden pain, nor had I felt discomfort while resting. By the following day, I experienced a slight reduction in pain and regained some range of motion, but the sharpness remained. Any attempt to move my neck beyond its current limits was still extremely painful. I noticed that when I tilted my head side to side and then brought it back to center, I felt additional pressure midway, almost as if my vertebrae were struggling to move over a disc. Currently, I'm still feeling the effects of this issue. The area is stiff and sensitive. While the muscles surrounding it don’t ache, the joint itself is quite painful. Although I can move my neck now, it remains uncomfortable, leaving me uncertain about whether to wait it out or consult a doctor. I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I’m hesitant about whether I should allow them to adjust my neck. I plan to inform them about my condition, as I want them to make an informed decision regarding adjustments, but I’m unsure if I should proactively refuse any neck manipulation if it’s suggested. Additionally, I’m concerned about the possibility of a serious issue with my disc. Although I am trying to keep my worries in check, I can’t help but feel anxious about it. Another consideration is that my hips and lower back also feel misaligned, and I haven’t been able to correct that myself. If possible, I would still prefer to go to the chiropractor to address those areas. The only feedback I received from my previous post was advice against any adjustments, and when I inquired about my lower back and hips, I didn’t receive any clarification—just downvotes instead. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!