How the Multifidus Muscle Affects Low Back Pain
Can Weak Multifidus Muscles Cause Low Back Pain?
Yes, weakness or dysfunction in the multifidus muscle (multifidi muscles) can significantly contribute to low back pain. The multifidus is a deep spinal stabilizer that supports vertebral alignment. When weakened, it can lead to spinal instability and discomfort. Studies have shown that individuals with low back pain often exhibit atrophy and fatty infiltration in the multifidus muscle, indicating its crucial role in maintaining spinal health.
Understanding the Multifidus and Its Role in Spinal Health
The multifidus is a series of small muscles located along the spine. Unlike larger muscles that control movement, the multifidus provides segmental stability, ensuring that each vertebra remains properly aligned. This stability is essential for posture, balance, and overall spinal support.
Weakness in the multifidus muscle—the deep stabilizer of the spine—can make everyday movements like sitting and standing painful. When the multifidus isn’t activating properly, the lower back lacks support, leading to discomfort during prolonged sitting and strain when transitioning to a standing position.
What Happens When the Multifidus Is Weak?
A properly functioning multifidus muscle ensures spinal stability and efficient movement. However, if it weakens due to injury, prolonged inactivity, or pain, several issues can arise:
Compensatory Overuse: Other muscles may overcompensate, leading to imbalances and strain.
Spinal Instability: The spine becomes more susceptible to stress, increasing the risk of conditions like disc herniation.
Chronic Low Back Pain: Research indicates that multifidus atrophy is common in individuals with chronic low back pain, suggesting a link between muscle health and pain recurrence. Source
How Does the Multifidus Become Weak?
Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting can inhibit activation of deep spinal stabilizers.
Injury or Surgery: Trauma or back surgery can lead to multifidus inhibition, necessitating targeted rehabilitation.
Chronic Pain: Persistent back pain can result in ongoing multifidus dysfunction, even after pain subsides. Source
How to Strengthen the Multifidus and Relieve Back Pain
At Victory Performance and Physical Therapy, we specialize in restoring multifidus function to reduce pain and enhance spinal stability.
Targeted Exercises for Multifidus Activation
Strengthening the multifidus requires specific exercises that focus on its activation:
Quadruped Arm & Leg Raises: Engages the multifidus while promoting spinal stability.
Pelvic Tilts & Bridges: Strengthen the deep core and spinal stabilizers.
Superman Exercise: Encourages multifidus activation in a controlled manner.
Struggling with persistent or chronic low back pain? Our team at Victory Performance and Physical Therapy in Culver City can assess your spinal stability and develop a customized plan to get you back to pain-free movement. Call Today 424-543-4336!
Manual Therapy for Multifidus Activation
Hands-on techniques can improve neuromuscular activation of the multifidus:
Spinal Mobilization: Encourages proper vertebral movement.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Reduces tension in compensating muscles.
Postural Training: Retrains movement patterns to engage the multifidus effectively.
Studies have shown that physical therapy focused on multifidus activation can lead to significant reductions in low back pain and improved spinal function over time.
Why Strengthening the Multifidus Is Essential for Long-Term Relief
Unlike temporary solutions, building strength and stability in the multifidus leads to:
Reduced pain frequency and severity
Lower risk of recurrent back injuries
Improved posture and movement control
Take Control of Your Back Pain with Multifidus Strengthening
The multifidus muscle plays a crucial role in spinal health, yet it is often overlooked in traditional back pain treatments. If left weak or inactive, it can lead to instability, discomfort, and an increased risk of recurring pain. Fortunately, targeted physical therapy can reactivate and strengthen the multifidus, helping you regain control over your movement and prevent future back problems.
At Victory Performance and Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive, patient-focused approach to back pain relief. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic discomfort, or simply want to improve your spinal health, our team is here to help.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger Back
Don’t let back pain hold you back from the activities you love. Schedule an evaluation today with our expert physical therapists in Culver City and start your journey toward a stronger, pain-free back.
