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Multiple muscles
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
The multifidus muscles (mm. multiridi) are muscle-tendon bundles that originate on the transverse processes of the underlying vertebrae and attach to the spinous processes of the overlying ones. These muscles, crossing 2-4 vertebrae, occupy a place on the sides of the spinous processes of the vertebrae along the entire length of the spinal column, starting from the sacrum and up to the second cervical vertebra. The multifidus muscles lie directly in front of the semispinalis and longissimus muscles.
- Function: rotate the spinal column around its longitudinal axis, participate in its extension and tilt in its direction.
- Innervation: posterior branches of the spinal nerves (CIII-SI).
- Blood supply: lumbar and posterior intercostal arteries, deep cervical artery.
[ Referred pain
Trigger zones located in the multifidus muscles refer pain to the area around the spinous processes of the nearest vertebrae. Trigger zones located in the multifidus muscles at the level from LI to LV can also refer pain anteriorly, to the abdomen, and it can easily be mistaken for visceral. Multifidus trigger zones at the SI level project pain to the coccyx, causing its hyperesthesia.
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