Facet Syndrome: A Common but Overlooked Cause of Low Back Pain
Facet Joint Pain in Omaha: Causes, Symptoms, and Lasting Relief
Woman with Facet Joint Syndrome
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care—but many don’t realize the pain may be coming from the facet joints in their spine.
At Green Chiropractic, we help people in Omaha every day who have been dealing with ongoing back pain, stiffness, or flare-ups that just won’t go away. One of the most frequent causes we see is facet syndrome.
What Are Facet Joints?
Facet joints are small joints located on the back side of your spine. They act like guide rails, allowing your spine to bend, twist, and move smoothly while keeping it stable.
When these joints move properly, you don’t notice them.
When they become irritated, compressed, or restricted, pain develops—this is called facet syndrome.
What Does Facet Syndrome Feel Like?
Facet syndrome can feel different for different people, but many patients describe:
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Achy or sharp low back pain
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Pain that is worse with standing, arching backward, or twisting
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Stiffness after sitting or sleeping
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Pain that improves slightly when bending forward
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Muscle tightness or spasms around the spine
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Pain that stays in the back (not true sciatic pain down the leg)
Many people notice symptoms worsen after long days of standing, poor posture at work, or repetitive movements.
Why Posture Plays a Huge Role (Hyperextension Problem)
Facet syndrome is often a hyperextension problem, meaning the spine is spending too much time in an arched-back position.
Abnormal posture greatly increases stress on the facet joints, including:
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Excessive arching of the low back
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Anterior pelvic tilt (hips tipped forward)
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Prolonged standing with locked knees
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Poor sitting posture with the rib cage flared forward
When the spine stays in this extended position too long, the facet joints become compressed and irritated, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
This is why simply stretching or resting often doesn’t solve the problem—the joints themselves are not moving correctly.
Two Simple Exercises That Can Help Facet Syndrome
While exercises alone won’t correct the problem, these can help reduce stress on the facet joints when done correctly.
1. Posterior Pelvic Tilt (Decompression Exercise)
This helps reduce excessive arching in the low back.
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Lie on your back with knees bent
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Gently flatten your lower back into the floor
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Tighten your lower abs and gently tuck your pelvis
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Hold for 5-10 seconds
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Repeat 8-10 times
2. Child’s Pose (Flexion Relief Stretch)
This position takes pressure off the facet joints.
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Start on hands and knees
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Sit your hips back toward your heels
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Reach your arms forward and relax your spine
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Breathe deeply for 30-60 seconds
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Repeat 2-3 times
If these positions feel relieving, it’s often a sign your facet joints are involved.
Why Chiropractic Care Is Critical for Facet Syndrome
Facet syndrome is not just a muscle issue—it’s a joint motion problem.
If the facet joints are stuck, inflamed, or moving improperly, the nervous system keeps surrounding muscles tight to protect the area.
At Green Chiropractic, we focus on:
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Restoring healthy motion to the facet joints
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Reducing abnormal joint stress
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Improving posture and spinal mechanics
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Addressing the root cause—not just chasing symptoms
Why Green Chiropractic Is Trusted Across Omaha
People drive from all over Omaha to Green Chiropractic because we are known for being:
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Thorough – we take the time to truly understand what’s causing your pain
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Precise – care is specific, not rushed or generic
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Patient-focused – education is always part of your care
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Results-driven – focused on long-term relief, not temporary fixes
If you’ve been told your back pain is “just tight muscles” or “something you’ll have to live with,” it’s time for a better answer.
Ready to Get Real Relief?
If you’re dealing with low back pain, stiffness, or suspect facet syndrome may be the cause, Green Chiropractic is here to help.
Green Chiropractic – Omaha, NE
Schedule a consultation today
Trusted care. Clear answers. Lon g-term relief.