Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain Facet joint pain is characterised by localised pain in the joint. Degenerative changes in the facet joints cause pain. Simply put, the cartilage in the facet joints degrades and inflames. Damage to the cartilage causes the bones in the joint to rub together, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Back pain is usually restricted to one side of the spine. This is generally exacerbated by bending to the affected side or extending the spine (backward bending). In general, the back will feel stiff in the morning. In some cases, the nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord at the level of the problem may be involved, causing pain to refer to the buttock, groin or hamstring area. This problem is frequently exacerbated by prolonged sitting or standing in one position. Arthritis can also affect facet joints like any other joint in the body. Facet joint syndrome is a combination of symptoms. These symptoms are caused by a spine arthritis-like condition. This condition is also known as facet arthropathy and facet joint osteoarthritis. Learn how physiotherapy for facet joint pain can help you with the treatment and recovery