Multifidus
Body region：Lower back
Deep ache beside the lumbar spine, lower back instability
Function
Small deep muscles on both sides of the spinous processes that stabilize the spine and fine-tune rotation.
Common causes
Prolonged sitting, reduced stabilizing function after a low back injury, and a weak core.
Massage and stretching
- Thumb presses slowly down beside the spinous processes
- Cat-cow stretch
Related acupoints
- Shenshu (BL23)：About 1.5 cun lateral to the 2nd lumbar vertebra, roughly level with the navel at the back
- Mingmen (GV4)：Midline of the back below the 2nd lumbar vertebra, roughly opposite the navel
- Dachangshu (BL25)：About 1.5 cun lateral to the 4th lumbar vertebra, on the line joining the highest points of the iliac crests
Related meridians
Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang、Governing Vessel (Du Mai)
When to see a doctor：Numbness or weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, injury or fever: seek medical care immediately.