For low back pain that does not show structural abnormalities on MRI, it is now being reported, especially in the US, that weakness of the multifidus muscle may be a problem. From the result of MRIs of patients with long-standing nonspecific low back pain,
Many patients with long-lasting nonspecific low back pain have been reported to have decreased muscle mass in the multifidus muscles. Stress caused by instability between the bones of the spine due to degeneration of the intervertebral discs and aging has been cited as the cause. In the United States, physical therapists recommend rehabilitation exercises for the multifidus muscles.
Only when medication and physiotherapy are not effective, physicians recommend direct stimulation for one year by implanting electrodes directly into the nerves innervating the multifidus muscles in the back.
These methods have been reported to reduce pain by two-thirds in more than 70% of patients.
So what kind of rehabilitation is available?
In this three-part series, we will introduce the rehabilitation of this multifissure muscle.