The latissimus dorsi muscle can contribute to pain in the shoulder, upper back, and arm going down into the hand. The muscle can also cause pain in the side of the ribcage and lower abdomen. It is the muscle that most often causes the ‘side stitch’.
The pectoralis major contributes to pain in the chest, shoulder, breast and upper back. Pain can also travel down the inner arm, elbow and extend to the hand and last two fingers.
The serratus anterior muscle contributes to pain down the side of the ribs, around the shoulder blade, chest, arm, hand, and fingers.
The intercostal muscles are found between the ribs. The muscles can contribute to pain in and around the rib cage. They are also a major contributor to pain in the sides and in between the ribs known as a side stitch.
The diaphragm is a muscle found under the lower ribs. It can contribute to breathing problems, pain in the chest, ribs, and can cause sharp pain in the side known as side stitches.
