Recommended Additional Placements
The magnet category, anatomical location and practical rationale for each placement are included together below so that each point only needs to be identified once.
Acupuncture Points
BL40 – Weizhong
Magnet: Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
BL40 is located behind the knee, near the midpoint of the horizontal crease that forms when the knee is slightly bent.
As a distal placement, it may be considered when lower back discomfort is accompanied by posterior leg symptoms, hamstring-region tension or tenderness behind the knee. It provides an option away from the lower back rather than adding another magnet to an already crowded lumbar placement.
BL23 – Shenshu
Magnet: Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
BL23 is located on either side of the lumbar spine, approximately level with the second lumbar vertebra. The point sits within the paraspinal muscle region rather than directly over the spinous process.
It may be considered when tenderness or discomfort extends into the upper lumbar region above the Primary Placement. The Medium category provides targeted coverage of the paraspinal tissues while allowing more precise positioning than a larger device.
BL25 – Dachangshu
Magnet: Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
BL25 is located on either side of the lower lumbar spine, approximately level with the fourth lumbar vertebra.
It may be considered when symptoms are concentrated around the lower lumbar region. Because this point may be close to magnets used in the Primary Placement, check the available space carefully and avoid adding it when the magnetic fields would overlap unnecessarily.
GB30 – Huantiao
Magnet: Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
GB30 is situated within the buttock region and is located using the greater trochanter of the femur and the sacral region as anatomical landmarks.
It may be considered when lower back discomfort extends into the buttock, posterior hip or upper sciatic region. The point lies within a broad and comparatively deep gluteal area, making a Large-category multipolar magnet appropriate when the placement corresponds with the individual’s symptoms.
Myofascial Trigger Points
Multifidus
Magnet: Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The multifidus muscles lie close to the lumbar spine and contribute to segmental spinal stability. Relevant trigger-point regions are generally found within the narrow bands of muscle beside the lumbar spinous processes rather than directly over the bones of the spine.
This placement may be considered when gentle palpation identifies a localised paraspinal area that reproduces familiar lower back discomfort. Because the multifidus is comparatively deep, a Large-category multipolar magnet may provide more appropriate field depth than a small superficial device.
Quadratus Lumborum
Magnet: Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The quadratus lumborum is a large, deep muscle located between the lowest rib and the upper border of the pelvis on either side of the lower back.
This placement may be considered when symptoms are predominantly one-sided or involve the flank, iliac crest or restricted side-bending. The selected location should correspond with a distinct area of tenderness or familiar discomfort rather than being based on the muscle’s general position alone.
Gluteus Medius
Magnet: Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The gluteus medius lies over the upper outer surface of the pelvis. Relevant trigger-point regions are commonly found below the iliac crest and lateral to the sacroiliac region.
This placement may be considered when lower back discomfort is accompanied by tenderness over the lateral buttock, outer-hip discomfort or symptoms associated with standing, walking or pelvic loading. Select the point that most closely corresponds with the individual’s presentation rather than applying magnets broadly across the muscle.
Practical Placement Guidance
Start with the Primary Placement
Apply and assess the Primary Placement shown in the Lower Back Pain Treatment Protocol before introducing any Adjunct Placements.
Match the placement to the symptoms
Do not apply every listed point routinely.
- Central lumbar tenderness may make a selected paraspinal placement relevant.
- One-sided flank or iliac-crest discomfort may indicate involvement of deeper lateral lumbar tissues.
- Buttock or outer-hip symptoms may make a gluteal placement more relevant.
- Posterior leg involvement may make the distal placement behind the knee worth considering.
Palpate gently where practical
Look for a discrete tender or sensitive area that corresponds with the person’s familiar symptoms.
Do not continue firm palpation if it causes marked pain, tingling, numbness or worsening symptoms.
Avoid unnecessary overlap
Some lumbar acupuncture and trigger-point placements may lie close to the Primary Placement. Add them only when sufficient space is available and the additional placement has a distinct anatomical purpose.
When using two or more Q Magnets, separate them by approximately the width of the devices to reduce magnetic field interference.
Apply Field | Dose | Placement
Magnet selection should reflect the depth and size of the target tissue rather than simply using the strongest available device.
- Field: Select an appropriate multipolar configuration.
- Dose: Consider magnet size, tissue depth, exposure duration and comfort.
- Placement: Position the device accurately over the selected anatomical target.
Introduce adjuncts progressively
Where practical, add one Adjunct Placement at a time. This makes it easier to assess whether the selected location contributes to comfort or function.
If a placement does not correspond with the symptoms, is uncomfortable to wear or provides no useful response, reconsider its anatomical relevance rather than continuing to add more magnets.
Apply the magnets securely
Use an appropriate skin-safe adhesive and check periodically that the devices have not shifted.
Where an orientation arrow is present, it should point towards the head.
They are optional additions and do not replace the Primary Placement shown in the Lower Back Pain Treatment Protocol.
Individual responses may vary. Persistent, severe, unexplained or worsening lower back pain should be professionally assessed, particularly when symptoms:
- follow significant trauma
- extend progressively into the leg
- involve weakness or altered sensation
- include bladder or bowel changes
- involve numbness around the saddle region
- occur with fever, unexplained weight loss or other possible red flags
Q Magnets are intended to provide temporary, localised relief of minor aches and pains. They are not a substitute for medical assessment or treatment recommended by a doctor or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
