This recent study provides compelling insights into the world of muscle quality and its implications on lumbar spine disorders. The research involved a cross-sectional examination of 875 patients, revealing significant associations between multifidus muscle quality and critical clinical outcomes related to low back and leg pain.
The survey evaluated muscle quality based on the MRI-based cross-sectional area at the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The findings showed that patients with superior muscle quality reported lower levels of disability related to lower back pain and less intense leg pain.
Specifically, a 10% boost in muscle quality significantly reduced disability and leg pain intensity. There was also a notable link between muscle quality and prolonged pain
duration of over 12 months. We’re excited to share future studies that should explore the potential interactions between muscle quality, spinal pathology, and clinical measures to better understand their influence on each other and their relevance to clinical outcomes.
One of our primary clinical goals when treating patients with low back pain is to improve the functional ability of their musculoskeletal system.
“…there has been a growing focus on spinal function, specifically looking at the intrinsic paraspinal musculature and the role of the lumbar multifidi muscles in the cause, progression, and outcomes of low back pain.”
“…on average, patients with higher multifidus quality reported lower levels of low back pain- related disability and leg pain intensity.”
“…specifically showing a greater proportion of pure multifidus muscle being associated with lower low back disability and leg pain intensity, but longer time since pain onset.”
We believe patients have better outcomes when their health professionals
work together.
