Multifidus Dysfunction
The multifidus muscle is the key stabilizing muscle in the lower back. A single injury to the back can cause impaired muscle control of the multifidus. This lack of muscle control can decrease the spine’s functional stability, leaving the spine susceptible to further injury and overloading. Restoring the neuromuscular control of the multifidus muscle can stabilize the spine, thereby increasing function and decreasing pain.
Evaluating Your Condition
WHAT CAUSES Multifidus Dysfunction RELATED PAIN?
Mechanical chronic low back pain results from an injury or stress on the tissues surrounding the spine, including soft tissues, muscles, bones, and joints. Often times, this type of pain is due to impaired neuromuscular control and neural inhibition of the multifidus, which is the largest stabilizing muscle in your back. To learn about how the loss of neuromuscular control can lead to multifidus dysfunction, watch these videos:
Neuromuscular Control: Proprioception & Back Muscles – Click Here
Multifidus Dysfunction: Loss of Neuromuscular Control – Click here
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF Multifidus Dysfunction RELATED PAIN?
- Back pain, muscle spasm, or feeling instable.
- Back pain or spasms when doing small tasks like brushing teeth over a sink, washing dishes, or reaching for an item.
- Increased pain in your back if you stay in a position for an extended period (sitting, standing, driving, etc.) causing you to shift positions or support yourself with your arms.
