Evidence of Multifidus Changes Post-Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation: A Narrative Review

Friday, November 14, 2025

11:10 AM - 11:18 AM CT

Location: 301 - 302

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with lumbar medial branch radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) widely used to manage facet-mediated pain. However, emerging evidence raises concerns regarding its potential to denervate the multifidus muscle—an essential stabilizer of the lumbar spine—thereby exacerbating dysfunction. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on multifidus atrophy and dysfunction following LRFA and explore the role of restorative neurostimulation as an emerging therapy.

Submitting Author(s)

AG

Abigail Joy Garcia, DO

PGY-1 PM&R Resident
UT Health San Antonio, United States

Co-Author(s)

LL

Logan Leavitt, DO

Interventional Spine & Musculoskeletal Medicine Fellow
Barrow Neurological Institute, United States
DL

David Lee, MD

Interventional Pain Physician
University of California Irvine Health, United States
Vinny Francio, MD

Associate Program Director (APD) Pain Fellowship
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, United States