Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction

Restoring Stability and Reducing Pain

The multifidus muscles in your spine play a critical role in providing stability, alignment, and injury prevention. When these muscles are impaired, it can result in lower back pain, weakness, and limited mobility—a condition known as multifidus dysfunction. Left untreated, multifidus dysfunction can significantly impact your quality of life. At American Pain Consortium, our interventional pain management experts specialize in diagnosing and treating multifidus dysfunction.

If you’re experiencing persistent back pain or mobility issues, contact us today.

What Is Multifidus Dysfunction?

The multifidus muscles are a group of small but powerful muscles that run along the spine. These muscles are responsible for supporting the vertebrae, maintaining proper alignment, and enabling smooth, controlled movements. Multifidus dysfunction occurs when these muscles become weakened or inhibited, leading to instability and discomfort in the lower back.

This condition can develop due to a variety of factors, including injuries, degenerative conditions, poor movement habits, or a loss of neuromuscular control. Without proper treatment, multifidus dysfunction can contribute to chronic pain and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

Multifidus Dysfunction Symptoms

Symptoms of multifidus dysfunction can vary but often include:

• Pain that worsens with simple movements
• Difficulty lifting moderately heavy items
• Weakness or stiffness in the lower back
• Limited range of motion
• Discomfort or pain during prolonged sitting or standing

It’s important to seek medical attention if you notice sudden, severe back pain, radiating leg pain, or other warning signs.

Causes of Multifidus Dysfunction

Multifidus dysfunction can result from various underlying causes, such as:

• Injuries: Trauma to the back can impair the function of the multifidus muscles.
• Degenerative Conditions: Conditions like arthritis or disc degeneration can affect muscle stability.
• Habits: Poor posture or repetitive strain can weaken these critical muscles over time.
• Neuromuscular Control Loss: Impaired communication between the brain and muscles may inhibit proper function.
• Muscle Inhibition: Pain or disuse can lead to muscle deactivation.
• Altered Movement Patterns: Compensatory movements may stress the multifidus muscles, leading to dysfunction.

To confirm a diagnosis and assess the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging or other assessments to evaluate muscle performance and spinal alignment.

How Do You Treat Multifidus Dysfunction?

Treatment for multifidus dysfunction is tailored to your specific needs. At American Pain Consortium, we focus on providing effective, minimally invasive care options, including:

• Physical Therapy: A non-invasive approach to restore strength, improve flexibility, and retrain movement patterns.
• ReActiv8: A small electronic device implanted in the lower back to stimulate the multifidus muscle, which supports the spine.
• MILD® Procedure: A minimally invasive lumbar decompression technique to alleviate pressure on the spine.
• Restorative Neurostimulation: An advanced, implantable neurostimulator that reactivates the multifidus muscles to restore function and stability.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following warning signs, seek prompt medical care:

• Sudden, severe back pain
• Pain radiating to your legs
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Progressive weakness in your legs

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

At American Pain Consortium, our physicians are here to help you regain mobility and reduce pain caused by multifidus dysfunction. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to a more comfortable life!