Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionCause of Back PainRecommended ExercisesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Cause of Back Pain
Recommended Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
Themultifidusmuscle is a series of long, narrow muscles located on either side of the spinal column that help stabilize the lower portion of the spine, called thelumbar spine.It’s also referred to as the lumbar multifidus.
The multifidus muscle plays a role in extending your back and helps keep your spine stable. Weak or atrophied multifidus muscles can cause back pain.
This article reviews the anatomy and function of the multifidus muscle. You will also learn what causes lower back pain and how to strengthen your lumbar multifidus with a couple of simple exercises you can do at home or in a gym.
SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Multifidus Anatomy
The multifidus muscle is the innermost layer of three layers of muscles of the back, known as the deep layer.
The deep layer is tasked with the movement of the spine. The other two, known as the intrinsic and superficial layers, are responsible for the movement of thethoracic cage(rib cage) and shoulders, respectively.
The multifidus muscle is a long, narrow muscle that runs down both sides of the spine and has several attachment points:
The multifidus muscle works together with thetransversus abdominusmuscle of the stomach andpelvic floor musclesof the pelvis to stabilize the lumbar spine while standing or moving.
Anatomy and Function of Back Muscles
Multifidus Muscle Function
The main function of the multifidus muscle is to stabilize the lumbar spine, but it also helps extend the lower spine whenever reaching or stretching.
The multifidus muscle works alongside two other deep muscle groups to stabilize and move the spine in complex ways:
Depending on how you want to move, these muscles can move in the same direction (such as twisting the body in one direction), in opposite directions (such as turning the hips one way and the shoulders the other way), or in complex ways (such as extending the back while twisting and bending).
The multifidus muscle helps ensure spinal strength because it has more attachment points to the spine than either the intrinsic or superficial layer. This reduces spinal flexibility and rotation but increases strength and stability.
At the same time, the multifidus muscle “co-contracts” with the transversus abdominus, providing stability around the entire torso, including the abdomen and lower back.
An Implant May Be Able To Treat Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Cause of Lower Back Pain
Because the multifidus muscle is tasked with lower spine stability, a weak multifidus muscle destabilizes the spine and provides less support to the individual vertebra. This puts pressure on muscles and connective tissues between and adjacent to the spinal column, increasing the risk of lower back pain.
Over time, the loss of muscle strength and stability can cause the muscle toatrophy, or waste away. This, in turn, can cause the compression of the vertebra and a plethora of other back-related problems.
Back problems associated with multifidus muscle deterioration include:
If you also have weakabdominal musclesor weak pelvic floor muscles, your entire core might be compromised and further increase the risk of lower back pain andinjury.
What Causes Lower Back Stiffness?
How to Strengthen Your Multifidus Muscle
The multifidus muscle comprises part of yourcore muscle group. This not only includes the muscles of your back but also yourabdominal musclesandoblique muscleson each side of your body (which help stabilize the trunk and twist it from side to side).
By strengthening these core muscles, you are strengthening the multifidus muscle as well.
With that said, there are exercises that target the lumbar muscles directly. These include lifts that directly engage the lower back muscles and extensions that activate and contract them.
Here are two examples that directly engage the multifidus muscle:
One-Arm Row
This is a common exercise done at home or in a gym that requires a dumbbell and a bench.
To do a one-arm row:
The Bird Dog
This is an exercise you can perform at home with no weights.
To do thebird dog:
There are other exercises that specifically target the multifidus muscle, some of which you can do at home and others which require a gym. For advice and instructions, speak with your healthcare provider, aphysical therapist, or a personal trainer.
Summary
The multifidus muscle is situated on both sides of the lumbar spine and provides stability and strength to the lower back. Any weakness of the multifidus muscle can lead to spinal instability, vertebral compression, and back pain.
Exercise targeting the multifidus muscle and other core muscles can help prevent back pain and protect against arthritis and other problems affecting the lower back.
An Overview of Physical Therapy
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe lumbar multifidus muscles help your back bend. If you want to tilt ortwist to one side, your multifidus muscles help you make that move.Back pain is one of the key signs of multifidus muscle weakness.As the muscle tasked with stabilizing the lumbar spine, any weakness of the multifidus muscle can manifest with aches and pains.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)can be used to check for multifidus muscle atrophy (wasting) but is most often reserved for cases of lower back injury.
The lumbar multifidus muscles help your back bend. If you want to tilt ortwist to one side, your multifidus muscles help you make that move.
Back pain is one of the key signs of multifidus muscle weakness.As the muscle tasked with stabilizing the lumbar spine, any weakness of the multifidus muscle can manifest with aches and pains.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)can be used to check for multifidus muscle atrophy (wasting) but is most often reserved for cases of lower back injury.
9 Sources
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Pillastrini P, Ferrari S, Rattin S, Cupello A, Villafañe JH, Vanti C.Exercise and tropism of the multifidus muscle in low back pain: a short review.J Phys Ther Sci. 2015;27(3):943-945. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.943
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