When seeking care for low back pain, a chiropractor Fredericksburg VA should often be the first point of evaluation. With over 80% of the population to experience low back pain at some point in their lifetime, identifying the precise cause and addressing it before it develops into a chronic condition is the job of a Fredericksburg chiropractor. a chiropractic orthopedist can be very effective for back pain relief. According to current literature, the two most common causes of low back pain are disc injury and facet joint dysfunction (facet syndrome).

Understanding Low Back Pain and Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome refers to injury or irritation of the facet joints—small paired joints located at each vertebral level from the base of the skull to the tailbone. These joints guide and limit spinal motion, and when they become inflamed or overloaded, they can generate pain that may mimic muscle strain or deep joint stiffness.

What Are Facet Joints and How Do They Cause Pain?

Facet joints are richly innervated structures responsible for the smooth articulation of each vertebral segment. Because each joint is positioned on both sides of the spine, patients may experience pain that alternates from side to side. These joints are especially prone to irritation under conditions of repetitive stress, prolonged extension, or heavy axial loading—such as lifting, twisting, or long periods of standing.

How Ligament Injuries Contribute to Low Back Pain

Supporting ligaments surrounding the facet joints can also be injured through mechanical overload or sustained poor posture. Two biomechanical processes are important in understanding this: Creep Deformity and Hysteresis.

Creep Deformity and Hysteresis Explained

• Creep Deformity: Occurs when ligaments are placed under a constant load for prolonged periods, causing them to stretch and lose their elastic recoil.
• Hysteresis: Refers to the repetitive loading and unloading of these same ligaments, such as during repetitive bending or lifting.

Neurologic Link Between Joint and Muscle Pain

Each facet joint receives sensory input from a small branch of the dorsal primary ramus nerve. When a joint or ligament is injured, the irritated nerve signals both pain and a compensatory muscle tightening response—what patients often describe as a ‘pulled muscle’ or ‘spasm.’ While massage or stretching may offer temporary relief, lasting improvement requires addressing the underlying joint dysfunction.

Common Symptoms Seen by a Fredericksburg Chiropractor

Facet syndrome can present with a variety of symptoms observed by a Fredericksburg chiropractor or chiropractic orthopedist, including:
• Dull, stiff, or achy low back pain upon waking, improving with movement
• Pain radiating into the groin, hip, buttock, or knee
• Sharp, stabbing discomfort during specific movements
• Stiffness after prolonged sitting or standing
• Pain that improves with walking or gentle motion

Chiropractic treatment for Facet Syndrome

What to expect at Stine Chiropractic Clinic? Each patient undergoes a comprehensive orthopedic and neurological examination to accurately identify the cause of pain. Once the diagnosis of facet syndrome or a related condition is confirmed, a customized treatment plan is developed, which may include:
• Spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustment)
• Physical therapy modalities such as interferential TENS
• Targeted rehabilitation and posture correction
• Home care instruction and ergonomic guidance.

Healing time and Patient Recovery

Healing time varies among patients and depends on factors such as age, underlying degenerative changes, and chronicity. In order to acheive the goal of back pain relief, diagnostic imaging, including plain film X-rays, may be done in office to assess for arthritic or congenital changes. Most patients experience incremental improvement within the first few visits, with significant relief often noted within 2–4 weeks of consistent treatment.

When to Seek Treatment for Low Back Pain Relief

It’s best to seek evaluation as soon as low back pain begins. Early assessment allows for prompt identification of the underlying cause and prevents chronic adaptation. At Stine Chiropractic Clinic, our Fredericksburg chiropractor is a board-certified chiropractic orthopedists specializing in conservative, evidence-based, orthopedic care.

If you’re experiencing low back pain in Fredericksburg, VA, contact Stine Chiropractic Clinic today for a comprehensive evaluation, or schedule here on our online scheduler. Our chiropractors are board-certified in chiropractic orthopedics and utilize evidence-based methods to restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions for Back Pain Relief (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between facet syndrome and a disc injury?

A: Facet syndrome affects the small posterior joints of the spine, whereas disc injuries involve the cushioning discs between vertebrae.

Q: Is chiropractic care safe for facet syndrome?

A: Yes, chiropractic adjustments by a board-certified chiropractic orthopedist are safe and effective.

Q: How soon should I expect results?

A: Mild improvement may occur after the first few sessions, with significant gains within 2–4 weeks.