Facet Joint Injections in Lafayette, LA

Targeted relief for arthritis-related neck and back pain.

If turning your head, bending, or standing up straight has become a daily struggle, the source of your pain may be your facet joints, the small joints that connect each level of your spine. At Interventional Pain Specialists in Lafayette, we use facet joint injections to calm this inflammation at its source, helping patients move and feel better without surgery.

Led by Albert Gros, Jr., MD, a double board-certified anesthesiology and pain medicine physician, our Lafayette team has helped patients throughout Acadiana find real relief from facet-related pain using precise, image-guided techniques.

What Is a Facet Joint Injection?

A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly into an inflamed facet joint of the spine.

Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae. They help stabilize the spine while allowing smooth movement during bending, twisting, and stretching. When these joints become inflamed or develop arthritis, they can become a significant source of chronic pain.

A Facet Injection serves two important purposes:

Many patients also hear this procedure referred to as a facet block injection, particularly when the anesthetic component is used to identify the pain source.

Conditions We Treat with Facet Joint Injections in Lafayette

Our pain management specialists use facet joint injections in Lafayette, LA to help patients experiencing:

Facet joint syndrome
Cervical facet joint pain
Lumbar facet joint pain
Thoracic facet joint pain
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal osteoarthritis
Chronic neck pain
Chronic lower back pain
Pain after whiplash injuries
Pain following spinal trauma
Age-related spinal degeneration

Patients throughout Lafayette, LA, and surrounding Acadiana communities seek treatment when conservative therapies have not provided lasting relief.

Common Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain

Not all epidural steroid injection procedures are the same. The right technique depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, and imaging results. Our Lafayette team offers all three primary approaches:

Facet pain is typically worse with extension movements (leaning back) and eases somewhat when bending forward.

How a Facet Injection Works

During a facet injection, your physician uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to accurately place a thin needle into the affected facet joint.

The injection usually contains:

Because the medication is delivered directly to the painful joint, treatment is highly targeted while minimizing exposure to surrounding tissues.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Benefits of a Facet Block Injection

One of the biggest advantages of a facet joint injection is that it serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, helping identify the source of pain while providing targeted relief.

Diagnostic Benefit

If your pain improves shortly after the facet block injection, it confirms that the treated facet joint is likely the source of your neck or back pain. This helps your provider develop a more accurate treatment plan.

Therapeutic Benefit

The corticosteroid medication reduces inflammation inside the affected joint, helping relieve pain, improve mobility, and make everyday activities more comfortable. Many patients experience relief that lasts for several weeks or even months.

The results also help determine whether additional treatments, such as medial branch blocks or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), may provide longer-lasting pain relief.

What to Expect During Your Visit to Our Lafayette Clinic

During the Procedure

Facet joint injections are performed in an outpatient setting at our Lafayette office, using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance:

The injection site is cleaned and numbed
A thin needle is carefully guided into place using imaging
A thin needle is carefully guided into or around the facet joint
Contrast dye may be used to confirm correct placement
Medication is delivered into the joint

The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and patients remain awake throughout, usually feeling pressure rather than sharp pain.

How Long Does Relief from Facet Joint Injections Last?

Relief varies by patient and depends on the severity of joint degeneration, the degree of inflammation, activity level, and individual response to treatment. In general:

Facet Joint Injections vs. Medial Branch Blocks

These two procedures are often confused, but they serve different purposes.

Facet Joint Injection	Medial Branch Block
Medication is injected directly into the joint	Targets the nerves supplying the facet joint
Primarily treats inflammation	Primarily diagnostic
Offers both diagnostic and therapeutic value	Often performed before radiofrequency ablation

Your provider will determine which approach, or which sequence of the two, best fits your condition.

Safety, Risks & Who Should Avoid This Procedure

Facet joint injections are generally considered safe when performed by experienced pain specialists using imaging guidance. Potential risks include temporary soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, temporary numbness, or a brief increase in pain. Serious complications are uncommon.

Your provider will screen for factors such as active infection, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, medication allergies, blood-thinning medications, poorly controlled diabetes, pregnancy, or uncontrolled hypertension before proceeding.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if you’re experiencing:

Neck or back pain has persisted for several weeks or months
Conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy, medication) hasn't provided lasting relief
Imaging suggests facet joint degeneration or arthritis
Pain remains localized rather than radiating into the arms or legs
Daily activities are becoming difficult because of pain

A full evaluation at our Lafayette office is the first step before any facet joint injection is recommended.

Why Choose Us for Facet Joint Injections in Lafayette, LA?

At Interventional Pain Specialists, we believe successful pain management begins with an accurate diagnosis and individualized care.

Our patients benefit from:

Board-certified pain management specialists
Advanced fluoroscopic imaging technology
Evidence-based treatment plans
Comprehensive evaluations
Compassionate, patient-focused care
Minimally invasive spine procedures

We are committed to helping patients throughout Lafayette, LA, and the surrounding Acadiana region find effective, long-lasting solutions for chronic pain.

Insurance We Accept

We accept most insurance providers. If you have specific questions regarding your coverage, please contact us for additional information.

Meet the Team Behind Your Care in Lafayette

What Our Patients Say

"I had arm numbness in both arms and my first three fingers. Dangerous when you’re driving and can’t feel your arms. I also had lower back pain and spasms almost every day. Once I started coming to this wonderful place with these wonderful people, I have to say my arms are not numb anymore and my back spasms are gone. Granted, I get to come back every three months, which in most cases is a pain, but coming to this office is a treat. So, I happily come to get my injections every three months. The professionalism yet comfortable feeling is awesome, not something you get from doctors these days! Dr. Gros is AMAZING! I would recommend 100x over and over! Thanks, guys, for giving me my life back! All of you are exceptional."

I was referred to Dr. Albert Gros by another physician, and I’m finally regaining a pain-free quality of life. Dr. Gros and his ENTIRE staff always provide A+ service. I highly recommend you consider this Pain Management practice.

I had extreme pain in my middle & lower back as well as moderate pain in my right knee. I am so EXTREMELY EXCITED that my pain is now so much less.

He's the best!

Great doctor and team that is very caring about their patients.

Great doctor and wonderful staff!

I love, love, love, the staff here!!! They are so caring and informative.

Professional Associations And Memberships

Areas We Serve Near Lafayette

In addition to Lafayette, we proudly provide facet joint injections and interventional pain care to patients from surrounding communities, including:

Schedule Your Facet Joint Injection Consultation in Lafayette LA

Don’t let chronic neck or back pain control your life. Schedule a consultation with our Lafayette, LA team today and take the first step toward lasting relief with expert, image-guided facet joint injections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are facet injections?

Facet injections are a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into a painful spinal facet joint to reduce inflammation and confirm the source of pain.

How many facet joint injections will I need?

Some patients feel significant relief after a single injection, while others benefit from a short series to manage symptoms or confirm a diagnosis. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your response.

Is a facet block injection painful?

Most patients experience only minor discomfort because the treatment area is numbed before the injection. The procedure is generally well tolerated.

How long does pain relief last?

Relief varies by patient and underlying condition. Some patients experience relief for several weeks, while others benefit for several months.

Can a Facet Injection help avoid surgery?

For many patients, Facet Injection therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for surgery depending on the underlying condition.

Who is a good candidate for facet joint injections?

Patients with chronic neck or back pain caused by facet joint arthritis, degeneration, or injury who have not responded to conservative treatments may benefit from this procedure after a comprehensive evaluation.