Strengthen the Multifidus Muscle: A Path to Richmond Back Pain Relief and Recovery

August 06, 2024

If you are among the countless individuals grappling with low back pain or the complications that come with herniated discs, you are not alone. The journey to relief can feel daunting, but grasoung the importance of the multifidus muscle in your recovery can be a life-changing and empowering experience. This often-ignored muscle is important not only for stabilizing your spine but also for restoring your quality of life. By actively doing targeted strengthening exercises, you are taking the first big step toward reclaiming your desired quality of life. Together at Johnson Chiropractic, we will look at how taking care of this vital muscle can lead to a healthier, pain-free future with our [[targeltocation]] chiropractic care.

BACK PAIN AND THE DISC HERNIATION

For patients having low back pain or issues related to herniated discs, recent research highlights the critical value of focusing on the multifidus muscle through structured strengthening exercises. The multifidus muscle, a main stabilizer of the spine, plays a fundamental role in keeping proper posture and spinal alignment. A study by Tsartsapakis et al. (1) specifically compares a variety of core stability exercises and their effectiveness in boosting muscle thickness throughout different activation maneuvers. The findings uncover that tailored core exercises not only improve the strength of the multifidus muscle but also significantly increase its overall functionality, which is key for stabilizing the spine during movement and everyday actions.

ACTIVE REHAB HELPS MUSCLE RECOVER

Moreover, research done by James et al. (2) underscores the significance of active rehabilitation in decreasing fibrosis – scarring of the connective tissue - in the multifidus muscle following intervertebral disc injury. Their work shows that focused activation of the multifidus can mitigate some of the adverse effects linked to disc-related injuries, such as chronic pain and decreased mobility, leading to improved recovery outcomes. This suggests that a proactive approach to rehabilitation can enhance healing processes, furthering the regeneration of muscle tissue and improving general spinal health.

EXERCISE FOR THE MULTIFIDUS

By integrating these directed exercises into your Richmond chiropractic treatment plan, you can foster resilience in your lower back, [ease|alleviate|lessen]55] pain, and improve your quality of life. The treatment plan at Johnson Chiropractic includes spinal manipulation - which is shown to lower spinal stiffness and increase multifidus thickness after the first spinal manipulation (3) - and exercise. These exercises can include variations such as bridging, bird-dogs, and specific stability drills that engage the multifidus while also strengthening the surrounding core muscles. Remember, while strengthening the multifidus muscle is a crucial strategy, it is key to always consult with your chiropractor to create a personalized exercise regimen that considers your [[personal|unique] needs and conditions. Your journey to recovery is a partnership between you and your Richmond healthcare providers including Johnson Chiropractic, and we are here to help you every step of the way, ensuring you have the resources and direction desired for a successful recovery and a return to your daily activities.

CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he details the effective combining gentle treatment with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management and strengthening the multifidus muscle.   

Schedule your next Richmond chiropractic visit with Johnson Chiropractic soon!

Richmond chiropractic exercise to strengthen multifidus