Multifidus Muscle Recovery

The muscles of the spinal column play an important stabilization role in the body, and they assist in a number of the torso's movements. Injuries to these muscles, including the multifidus, can cause back pain and make normal movements uncomfortable. Only your doctor can diagnose a specific injury to the multifidus. Treatments to the injured muscle may include massage therapy sessions, ice, and exercise.

What is the Multifidus Muscle?

• According to Sports Injury Clinic, the multifidus is a muscle that runs up the spine, all the way from the sacrum to the base of the skull. This thin muscle is responsible for extension of the spine, moving the spine to the left or right, and rotation of the spine. It also helps stabilize the numerous bones that form the spine.

Types of Injuries

• The multifidus can be torn or strained for a number of reasons, including athletic injury or overuse. According to Sports Injury Clinic, the injury of the multifidus is commonly associated with lower back pain. Pain may occur when an individual with an injury moves her back from side to side, bends down, or rotates her spine. Since the muscle plays a role in stabilizing the back, a weak or injured multifidus can result in an increased risk of further injury to the back.

Types of Recovery

• If you feel pain, apply ice to the injured area and try resting the affected area until you can speak to a medical professional. Once you obtain a diagnosis, you may be prescribed a painkiller or physical therapy routine. The Musculoskeletal Consumer Review points out that regular exercise may be important to the rehabilitation of this muscle and helps it play its important stabilization role.

Massage for the Multifidus

• The multifidus rests deep within the groove of the spinal column. Since it is rarely touched, deep tissue massage to this muscle can be especially pleasing. Massage therapy can also help to repair any muscle strains in the area, and promote proper blood flow to the damaged tissue. The massage therapist will use his fingers to dig into the spinal groove. Starting at your neck, he will trace your spinal column to the sacrum. Usually, this stroke will be repeated numerous times.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

• Once the acute stage of the injury is over, you can do exercises that can help strengthen the muscle. This will help the muscle fulfill its stabilizing role and prevent further injury. Core exercise routines like Pilates focus on toning muscles like the multifidus. These exercise regimens use a series of body movements and resistance training to strengthen the core.

  To help the muscle heal properly, you might consider working with a physical therapist. Physical therapy sessions may incorporate such exercises, along with range of motion and stretching techniques to keep the muscle healthy. Your physical therapist will teach you techniques that you can use at home to help the muscle heal properly.

Talk to your Doctor

• If you're experiencing back pain, be sure to talk to your doctor. The multifidus is a relatively small muscle, and it is almost impossible to diagnose an injury to it without the advice of a medical professional. Back pain like that associated with a multifidus injury can be caused by a number of muscles in the region, and may be from a more serious condition like a slipped disc or pinched nerve. Your doctor will help you narrow down the injury site and determine the best course of treatment.