Region: lowerback-glutes
Lumbar facet joint syndrome happens when small joints in your lower spine become irritated or worn down. This can cause lower back pain and stiffness, especially with movement.
What is Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome?
Lumbar facet joint syndrome happens when small joints in your lower spine become irritated or worn down. This can cause lower back pain and stiffness, especially with movement.
Symptoms
- Lower back pain
- Pain on one side
- Stiffness
- Pain with movement
- Limited range of motion
What does Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome feel like?
- Aching pain in the lower back
- Pain when bending backward or twisting
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Pain that stays in the back (not down the leg)
What are common causes of Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome?
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Overuse during training
- Poor posture during activity
- Sudden movements
Self check
- Is the pain in your lower back only?
- Does bending backward make it worse?
- Does twisting cause pain?
- Does the pain stay in one area?
- Does it feel stiff when moving?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
- Rest from activity
- Avoid bending or twisting
- Use ice 10–15 minutes
- Avoid movements that increase pain
- Stay lightly active as tolerated
Red flags
- Severe or worsening pain
- Pain spreading down the leg with numbness
- Significant weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Pain that does not improve
Recovery tips
- Gradually return to activity
- Strengthen core and back muscles
- Improve posture
- Avoid overuse
- Warm up properly before activity
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.