Inland Pain Specialists - Pain Management in Spokane, Washington

“Everyone here is amazing. You get people that actually care, great attention to detail, a high level of professionalism while also being down to earth. Really, what more can you ask for? Initially referred to Inland Pain Specialists for an epidural injection, procedure was flawless and quick. Came back for a shoulder injection, again no issues. Just had another epidural that was short notice. Did not expect them to get me in as quickly as they did. Appointment was same week, their team jumped on working with insurance for me, injection was smooth sailing just like the other visits, and I was so blown away I had to leave a review. Thank you for helping me walk normal again! I would not hesitate to recommend Inland Pain Specialists to anyone. You are in good hands if you need their services.”

— Gregory Timperio

“Patient care with John Fontana and his staff has been exceptional! As a chronic pain sufferer, I have gotten longer pain relief than I have for many years with another provider. I can't say enough about how accommodating, caring, and understanding of patient needs they are. I would recommend them without reservation!”

— Jen H

“I got a Stellets Ganglion cyst injection near my right clavicle bone at the suggestion of Dr John Fontana. After one brief visit he diagnosed me with little investigation with both Fibromyalgia and arthritis. The injection was as I understand it to "reset my parasympathetic nerves so they aren't as reactive". They gave me one piece of paper with a very basic description of the exam and made sure I had a ride home. He said it would be safe for me even though I have severe asthma, allergies, and complex PTSD. On 6/2/2025 I paid the $400 for the injection very hopeful for pain relief. I was not worried or stressed going into it and very cheerful. The injection didn't hurt much and it went quickly. They had me sit for about 1min and let me go home. They knew I had never had an injection like this before and was a new patient. They did not keep me for surveillance to make sure I didn't have an allergic reaction. The only symptoms I was told I would have would be mild swelling of my voice box, horse voice, drooping face and eye, and that I would be tired and couldn't drive for a few hours. I had a driver home. A few minutes after leaving I started having an anaphylactic allergic reaction that swelled up my throat and voice box so large it completely obstructed my airway. If I hadn't had an inhaler in the car and a nebulizer at home I would have died from suffocation. My boyfriend tried calling the office twice and texting them. They treated me like I was a drama queen and I could practically hear Dr Fontana's eyes rolling. He arrogantly told said "I told you that would happen". No doctor, you did NOT tell me I could die and not breathe. You did not watch me to make sure I was safe. His rude assistant tried blaming me saying they had asked me to come all the way back to the office (20min away) for surveillance (which no one would do). They blamed me for not coming back when I was using my Nebulizer trying not to go code blue. If I was going anywhere it would be the ER. They said all they would do is call the ambulance and they didn't have a nebulizer on site or any nurse who could help me. They keep ignoring me and refusing to refund me or apologize. They wont even provide the ICD10 codes so I can try and collect repayment from my insurance. Ideally they would be forced to refund me at least part of the $400 I paid for that injection that only partially worked for 2 days and almost killed me. They should also issue a personal apology and promise they will implement appropriate protocol to monitor new patients after getting a new injection they have never had. I don't want anyone else to have this happen to them. Being low staffed is not a good excuse.”

— Malinda Balo

“I suffer from chronic pain in my hips from a bilateral hip disorder, and several problems with my lumbar spine. I have been seeing John and Kala for 4 years. They have been very nice and have taken good care of me. Until this just happened: I had to text Kala Sunday before a Monday morning appointment I had that I couldn't make due to a stomach bug. I live in Omak (3hours away) so I would have had to go to Spokane the night before. I receive an email back from Kala stating that they will no longer care for me because I have missed 3 appointments that I gave 24 hr notice for all 3. One in '23 '24 and this last one in '25. Not a very good policy when dealing with anyone in pain and disabled. Very disappointing.”

— Christy Bates