Expert Spine and Pain Care to Help You Move Freely Again
When back, neck, or nerve pain starts shrinking your world — skipping the walks you used to enjoy, dreading a workday, thinking twice before driving across town or picking up your kids — it's time for real answers, not another quick fix. Dr. John Villanueva takes the time to listen, examine, and build a plan around your body and your goals.
Not Sure What's Wrong? That's Where We Start
Getting referred to a pain specialist can feel confusing — like your doctor gave up, or your surgeon didn't have an answer. At VIPS, the goal is simple: get you a clear picture of what's going on, and a real plan for it.
Conditions We Treat
Does This Sound Like You?
- Ongoing neck, back, or joint pain
- Pain that travels into your arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or nerve symptoms
- Headaches or migraines that aren't improving
- Pain that hasn't improved with medication, physical therapy, rest, or prior procedures
- Pain that's limiting your work, sleep, exercise, family life, or daily movement
What Pain Management Can Actually Do for You
Pain management helps you understand why you're hurting, what your options are, and how to feel like yourself again. It starts with figuring out what's actually going on — because pain doesn't always point straight to its source, and guessing isn't a plan.
Two Specialties, One Doctor
Dr. John Villanueva is double board-certified in interventional pain management and physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R). That means he doesn't just treat pain as a symptom — he looks at how it's affecting your body, your daily life, and your hope for the future.
He Listens Before He Recommends Anything
Before suggesting any treatment, he takes time to listen to your story, review your records and imaging, and explain what he believes is happening — in plain language. If he recommends something like an epidural injection, radiofrequency ablation, nerve block, PRP injection, Intracept®, or the mild® procedure, it's because it fits your body and your goals, not because it's next on a list.
Treatment That Fits You, Not a Formula
Pain management isn't one treatment — it's a mix of approaches chosen for your specific problem. Depending on what's going on, your plan may include:
No Cookie-Cutter Procedures
Your plan is based on your symptoms, exam, imaging, history, and goals — never on offering every possible procedure. The goal is simple: find what actually helps you move and feel better.
A Doctor Who Listens Before He Treats
Some patients come to VIPS after years of appointments and treatments; others have been told their pain is "just stress," that nothing is really wrong, or that they simply need to live with it. By the time they meet Dr. Villanueva, they may feel frustrated, skeptical, or tired of telling the same story again. He doesn't jump to a solution before he understands the problem — to him, listening isn't separate from good medicine, it is good medicine.
His own path into this work is personal. His mother lived with severe congenital scoliosis and went through multiple spine surgeries, and even afterward she still dealt with chronic pain, numbness, and weakness. He never wants a patient to feel like their pain is a mystery nobody's willing to investigate.
His PM&R training adds a broader lens on top of interventional pain management — a focus on musculoskeletal medicine, neurological conditions, and rehabilitation, not just pain relief in isolation. Sometimes the biggest win isn't erasing pain completely, it's getting back enough movement, confidence, and independence to live your life again.
What Makes VIPS Different From a Typical Pain Management Clinic?
At VIPS, Dr. Villanueva won't rush you into a procedure. His goal is simple — the right care, for the right reason. When you choose VIPS, you can expect:
A Research-Minded Approach to Pain Care
Pain medicine keeps evolving, and your care shouldn't run on autopilot. VIPS is also involved in clinical research — rare for a private pain practice — which keeps the team current without losing sight of the person in front of them.
What to Expect Before You Even Walk In
Your first visit should leave you with more clarity than you walked in with. Bring your medical records, medication list, prior procedure notes, and any imaging you have — actual X-ray, MRI, or CT images help most.
If needed, Dr. Villanueva's PM&R training lets him personally perform EMG and nerve conduction studies to check nerve and muscle function — rather than referring you out for them — or use imaging like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide treatment. His goal: help you understand what's wrong, why it hurts, and what to do next.
- Listen to your history and how pain affects your daily life
- Review your prior records and imaging
- Perform a physical and neurological examination
- Explain what may be causing your symptoms
- Discuss whether additional testing may be needed
- Create a treatment plan based on your condition, goals, and medical history
Treatment Options May Include
Pain management isn't one-size-fits-all. Depending on your diagnosis, your plan might include conservative care, diagnostic testing, image-guided procedures, or medication management — chosen for what your case actually needs, not offered as a package deal.
Pain Management Is Not Just Medication
Medication might be part of your plan, but it's not the whole plan. Dr. Villanueva looks at your imaging, nerve function, movement, past procedures, daily habits, sleep, and goals before deciding what's appropriate — and if medication is right, he makes sure it's used safely.
You Will Not Be Judged for Your Pain
Pain can leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, or like no one believes you. You don't have to perform, downplay your pain, or prove you deserve help. Just tell Dr. Villanueva what's going on — that's where you start.
What Our Patients Are Saying
My previous pain management doctor retired, so they referred me to Dr. Villanueva. I have received the best care I could have ever expected. The staff and Dr. J. Villanueva and Dr. Jessica Villanueva are very attentive and professional and have been most helpful in my many medical issues — spine, back, hips, knees. I would definitely recommend them, amazing team!
A wonderful, warm, and professional staff paired with a truly caring doctor. I'm incredibly grateful to have found Dr. Villanueva. What I'm experiencing has been one of the most challenging medical experiences of my life, and it is such a gift to know I am in safe, capable, and compassionate hands.
I was having a heck of a time getting a diagnosis for a nerve pain issue I was having. I made an appointment with Dr. Villanueva and he listened, took time to go over my details closely, and ordered testing that finally pinpointed the issue. He is a great doctor, and the staff is very professional and caring. Glad I found this place!
Such an awesome doctor. Super helpful staff, caring and very knowledgeable in the field of pain management. The clinic is spacious and relaxing. Very professional in every way.
This doctor is amazing — he has just the proper mix of empathy and expertise. He approaches pain management with precision, thoroughness, and provides a treatment plan that is comprehensive and addresses the real issues. I thank him so much for giving me my flexibility back, my smile back, and my dignity. He comes highly recommended!
Dr. Villanueva's regimen and acumen are without question. When I started treatment he gave me my life back. I'm able to get out, live without so much pain, and live a healthier lifestyle now. He is a true doctor concerned in every regard of my health. Thank you Dr. Villanueva — you're a saint in my eyes.
Common Questions, Answered
Living with pain no one's explained is exhausting. We're here to listen, figure out what's going on, and help you take the next step.
Visit VIPS in Burbank, CA
VIPS is based in Burbank, CA, and sees patients from across the San Fernando Valley and greater LA — including Glendale, Pasadena, Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and North Hollywood.
Address
2121 W. Magnolia Blvd., Suite B
Burbank, CA 91506
Phone
Hours
Call our office for current hours and availability
VIPS: Villanueva Institute of Pain & Spine
2121 W Magnolia Blvd B Suite B,
Burbank, CA 91506
Request A Consultation
Tell us what's going on, and our team will reach out to get you scheduled with Dr. Villanueva.