Understanding the role of the multifidus muscle in spinal stability and how targeted physiotherapy can help improve back strength and function.
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. While many people associate back pain with tight muscles, poor posture or disc injuries, an important factor that is sometimes overlooked is the strength and function of the deep muscles supporting the spine.
One of these muscles is the
multifidus, a small but important muscle that plays a significant role in spinal stability and movement control.
At
Action Physiotherapy Newcastle, we use the specialised
Getback spinal rehabilitation program to help patients improve spinal strength, mobility and confidence in movement.
What Is the Multifidus Muscle?
The multifidus is a group of deep spinal muscles that runs along the vertebral column, connecting individual vertebrae across multiple levels of the spine.
Unlike larger back muscles, which generate powerful movements, the multifidus contributes to controlling and stabilising individual spinal segments during everyday activities.
These muscles work together with other spinal muscles to support the back when you:
- Bend forward to pick something up.
- Twist or rotate your body.
- Lift and carry objects.
- Walk, run or exercise.
- Maintain control during everyday movements.
The multifidus helps provide the fine control necessary for coordinated spinal movement.
What Happens to the Multifidus When You Experience Back Pain?
Research has shown that people experiencing lower back pain may develop changes in the size, activation and function of their multifidus muscles.
Pain can alter how these muscles are recruited, and persistent symptoms may be associated with reduced muscle size or increased fatty infiltration.
This can contribute to changes in spinal movement control and the way loads are distributed through the back.
However,
multifidus weakness is not the sole cause of back pain, and these changes do not necessarily mean the spine is damaged or unstable.
The encouraging news is that muscle strength and function can often be improved through appropriate exercise rehabilitation.
Why Is Strengthening the Multifidus Important?
Strengthening the deep spinal muscles can be an important component of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved spinal control: Supporting coordinated movement between the vertebrae.
- Increased muscular strength and endurance: Improving the back's ability to tolerate everyday physical demands.
- Greater confidence in movement: Helping reduce fear and hesitation associated with bending, lifting and exercise.
- Improved functional capacity: Supporting a return to work, sport and daily activities.
- Better long-term self-management: Developing the physical capacity to remain active.
Importantly, effective rehabilitation should address not only the multifidus but also the larger back muscles, abdominal muscles, hips and overall functional strength.
How Does Getback Spinal Rehabilitation Help?
At Action Physiotherapy Newcastle, we offer a specialised spinal rehabilitation program using
Getback exercise devices.
Unlike conventional gym equipment, these devices are designed specifically for spinal rehabilitation and allow controlled, measurable exercise targeting different movements of the spine.
Our Getback program focuses on:
1. Assessing spinal strength and mobility
We measure spinal movement and strength to identify limitations and establish a baseline for rehabilitation.
2. Targeted spinal strengthening
Using specialised Getback devices, patients perform controlled exercises designed to progressively strengthen the spinal muscles, including the multifidus and larger spinal extensors.
3. Gradual progression
Exercise resistance is progressively increased according to individual capacity, symptoms and rehabilitation goals.
4. Monitoring measurable improvements
Regular reassessment allows us to track changes in spinal strength and mobility and adjust the exercise program accordingly.
5. Returning to everyday activities
The ultimate goal is not simply to strengthen isolated muscles but to improve your ability to bend, lift, work, exercise and participate confidently in daily life.
Watch: Understanding the Multifidus Muscle
This short educational video from Getback and DAVID Health explains the important role of the multifidus muscle in supporting the spine and why strengthening the deep spinal muscles can be beneficial.
▶ Watch the Multifidus Muscle Video – Getback and DAVID Health
The video illustrates how the multifidus supports individual vertebrae during bending and twisting movements and highlights the importance of maintaining good spinal muscle function.
Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain in Newcastle
If you experience persistent lower back pain, recurring episodes of back discomfort or reduced confidence in lifting and movement, a structured strengthening program may help.
At
Action Physiotherapy Newcastle, our physiotherapists assess your spinal mobility, muscle strength and functional limitations to develop an individualised rehabilitation plan.
Our approach combines clinical physiotherapy, targeted strengthening using the Getback devices, and progressive exercise to help you improve your back's capacity for everyday life.
Build a Stronger, More Resilient Back
Back pain doesn't always mean your spine is damaged or that you need to avoid movement.
With appropriate guidance and progressive strengthening, many people can improve their physical capacity and return to activities they enjoy.
Contact Action Physiotherapy Newcastle to learn more about our Getback spinal rehabilitation program and how we can help you manage lower back pain.
