Anatomy
Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle of the back. It connects the arm to the pelvis, so it can affect both the shoulder and the lower back.
- Latissimus dorsi
Where is it?
It starts from the mid- and lower-back vertebrae, the thoracolumbar fascia, the iliac crest and the lower ribs, then converges onto the front of the upper arm bone near the armpit.
What does it do?
It pulls the arm down and back and rotates it inward — the muscle of pull-ups, swimming and rowing. It also contributes to trunk stability.
Common problems
Each problem has its own detailed page: symptoms, causes, treatment and when to seek care.
How we can help
When to seek care
Book an appointment if back or armpit pain persists, limits arm movement or returns with training. Chest pain, shortness of breath or pain with fever needs urgent medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Other areas of the body
Educational content: it does not replace an assessment. Your therapist determines the cause of your symptoms in person.