Why Do My Back Muscles Hurt During Everyday Tasks?
I am a 45-year-old man, 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. I exercise two to three times weekly and successfully maintained a weight loss of 100 pounds from a few years ago. I've noticed a troubling issue that predominantly impacts my upper lat muscles. While I can perform exercises like rowing or pulldowns at the gym without any discomfort, and long bike rides are perfectly manageable, I experience excruciating pain—rated at a 10—when engaging in lighter tasks around the house. Activities such as washing dishes, folding laundry, and dressing my infant seem to trigger this intense pain, resembling the sensation of someone applying severe pressure with their knuckles against my back. Curiously, this discomfort manifests more acutely while I am standing, rather than when I am seated. Does anyone have insight into why this might be occurring?
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 1:10:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort in your back muscles during everyday tasks, particularly related to your upper lat muscles. This type of pain can be quite frustrating, especially since it doesn't seem to occur during your regular exercise routine. Let's break down some potential causes and explore what steps you can take to alleviate this discomfort.
Main Points:
- Muscle strain or overuse during daily tasks can lead to pain, especially if those movements are different from your workout routines.
- Posture and body mechanics when doing lighter tasks might contribute to the pain you're experiencing.
- Supportive strategies can help manage and reduce your symptoms effectively.
Explanation: Given your active lifestyle and recent weight loss, your body may have adapted well to certain exercises like rowing and pulldowns. However, the tasks you're mentioning—like washing dishes and folding laundry—may involve different muscle groups or movements that you are not accustomed to. If you're standing while doing these tasks, poor posture or improper body mechanics can increase the strain on your upper lat muscles, leading to severe pain. Additionally, muscle imbalances or tightness in surrounding areas (like your shoulder or neck) can also be contributing factors.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Focus on Posture: When performing tasks, pay attention to your posture. Ensure that your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. If you're reaching or bending, try to keep your movements controlled and avoid straining.
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Modify Your Movements: Consider adjusting the way you do these tasks. For example, lowering the height of your dishwashing area or using a chair for folding laundry can help reduce strain. Try to perform tasks while seated if possible, as you’ve noted less pain in that position.
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Incorporate Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle stretching exercises targeting your back and shoulders to increase flexibility. Strengthening exercises focusing on your core can also provide better support for everyday movements.
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Listen to Your Body: If certain activities consistently trigger pain, it may be helpful to take breaks or limit your involvement in those tasks until your symptoms improve.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal noting when the pain occurs, what activities were involved, and the intensity. This can help identify patterns or movements to avoid.
If this pain persists or worsens, consider seeking support from a physiotherapist or healthcare provider. They can assess your situation in detail and provide personalized recommendations to address your symptoms. Remember, it's essential to be gentle with your body as you navigate these changes.
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