Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction Treatment
Targeted care to relieve lumbar pain, restore mobility, and support spinal stability

Understanding Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Multifidus muscle dysfunction occurs when the multifidus muscles located along the spine become impaired due to injuries, degenerative conditions, or lifestyle habits. It’s usually characterized by lumbar pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
The multifidus muscles play a vital role in spinal stability and alignment. They support and control upper torso movement and help prevent injuries by minimizing excess stress on the spine.
Some of the best treatment options for multifidus muscle dysfunction include non-invasive approaches like physical therapy and minimally invasive interventions such as the MILD® procedure.
Understanding Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Multifidus muscle dysfunction occurs when the multifidus muscles located along the spine become impaired due to injuries, degenerative conditions, or lifestyle habits. It’s usually characterized by lumbar pain, weakness, and limited mobility.
The multifidus muscles play a vital role in spinal stability and alignment. They support and control upper torso movement and help prevent injuries by minimizing excess stress on the spine.
Some of the best treatment options for multifidus muscle dysfunction include non-invasive approaches like physical therapy and minimally invasive interventions such as the MILD® procedure.

Causes of Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Multifidus muscle dysfunction can result from several causes, including:
Injury or strain: Physical trauma to the multifidus muscles can impair their function.
Muscle imbalance: Imbalances in surrounding spinal muscles may lead to dysfunction.
Poor posture: Poor posture can weaken the multifidus muscles and limit flexibility.
Degenerative disc disease: Age-related wear of intervertebral discs may contribute to dysfunction.
Symptoms of Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Symptoms of multifidus muscle dysfunction include the following:
✔ Lower back pain
✔ Stiffness and reduced mobility
✔ Weakness in the lower back
✔ Muscle spasms
✔ Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs
Diagnosis of Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Multifidus muscle dysfunction is diagnosed through multiple tests and assessments, including:
Examining your family’s medical history to discard potential hereditary factors
X-rays, MRIs, and CT Scans
Electromyography to measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerve cells
Treatment Options for Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
Multifidus muscle dysfunction treatments may range from the following options.
Conservative Treatments
These non-invasive techniques help alleviate symptoms and improve function, often used alongside non-opioid medication or minimally invasive procedures:
✔ Massage therapy
✔ Acupuncture
✔ Chiropractic care
Non-Opioid Medications
Medications Non-opioid medications aim to reduce spinal swelling and nerve pressure. When compared to other medications, these offer no risk of addiction and are more gentle on your body. These may range from anti-inflammatory medications to muscle relaxants and antidepressants.
Injections
Injections offer long-lasting relief for patients dealing with radiculopathy by focusing on the nerves that send pain signals into the brain. Some injection options available for this condition include the following:
✔ Steroid injections help provide quick inflammation reduction and symptom relief. These are injected near the spinal nerve area, transmitting pain signals to the brain. Your doctor will use digital imaging to precisely place the needle into the nerves causing discomfort.
✔ Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from the patient’s own blood and contains multiple substances that promote tissue growth and regeneration. When these are injected, the substances help restore the spine’s structure.
Pain Management Procedures
Used in conjunction with other therapies for enhanced relief:
✔ Facet joint injections: Target affected multifidus muscles with imaging guidance
✔ Steroid injections: Interrupt pain signal transmission near the spinal nerves
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation focuses on providing nerve stimulation into the multifidus muscle that is causing pain. They can include spinal cord stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to modify the nerve activity in the spine, or peripheral nerve stimulation, which uses electrical stimulation to target peripheral nerves around the spinal cord.
Minimally Invasive Interventions
Minimally invasive interventions reduce the risk of complications and offer almost instant relief. The MILD® procedure uses X-ray guidance to insert a special needle in the lower back area. Using a radiofrequency device, your doctor will remove the bone and ligament excess in your spine, allowing it to release pressure and pain. Another minimally invasive intervention for multifidus muscle dysfunction is an endoscopic discectomy. Through a small incision, a thin tube is inserted in the spine to visualize the area, and then the damaged muscle tissue is removed.

Care That’s Close to Home
We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.
Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.
Tualatin Clinic
Newberg Clinic
Care That’s Close to Home
We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.
Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.
Tualatin Clinic
Newberg Clinic

Why Choose Spinal Diagnostics?
Patients choose Spinal Diagnostics for our comprehensive approach, accurate diagnostics, and compassionate care. We stay at the forefront of interventional procedures and are committed to improving your quality of life—without opioids or invasive surgeries.

Proven Medical Expertise
We bring years of clinical experience in pain management and interventional procedures.

Constant Innovation
We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, effective treatment.

Compassionate Care
We listen, understand, and treat every patient with empathy and respect.

Personalized Plans
Each treatment is tailored to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.
Explore the treatments that bring real relief.
Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.
Explore the treatments that bring real relief.
Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.