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.

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The deep layer is tasked with the movement of the spine.
This, in turn, helps protect against spinal deterioration and the onset ofarthritis.
This reduces spinal flexibility and rotation but increases strength and stability.
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.
How to Strengthen Your Multifidus Muscle
The multifidus muscle comprises part of yourcore muscle group.
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.
For advice and instructions, speak with your healthcare provider, aphysical therapist, or a personal trainer.
Any weakness of the multifidus muscle can lead to spinal instability, vertebral compression, and back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.