Pain Clinic — Monarka Clinic · Barcelona
Pain Clinic
in Barcelona.
First, we listen to you.
Then, your plan.
Chronic pain specialists with a 360º vision: neurosurgery, interventional anesthesiology and humanistic psychology work together to diagnose the real cause of your pain.
6
Consensus specialists
360°
Body, mind, and emotion vision
Pg.
de Gracia, 130 · Barcelona
Our philosophy
Before proposing any treatment, we listen to you. Without rushing, without shortcuts. Chronic pain cannot be understood from the perspective of a single specialty.
We treat people, not MRIs.
Philosophy
A 360º view of pain.
Each patient is evaluated independently by neurosurgery, anesthesiology, and humanistic psychology — and then the team converges on a single plan.
Before proposing any treatment, we listen to you. Without rushing, without shortcuts. Chronic pain is a complex experience—neurological, biomechanical, and emotional—that cannot be understood from a single specialty nor resolved with a one-size-fits-all protocol.
That’s why our pain clinic works with a 360º vision: neurosurgery, interventional anesthesiology and humanistic psychology evaluate the patient independently and then converge on a single, clear and personalized plan.
“We don’t operate on hernias, nor do we perform MRIs or X-rays; we operate on patients.”
— Dr. Mireia Illueca Moreno, Medical Director
The goal is not just to provide relief. It’s to understand why you’re in pain, restore function, and reclaim the life that pain has been stealing from you.
The pillars
Three specialties.
One unified strategy.
Each patient is assessed by specialists who work independently and converge on a single therapeutic strategy that integrates body, mind, and emotion.
i
Listening and diagnosis
We listen carefully to identify the true cause of your pain: structural, neuropathic, inflammatory, functional, or emotional. Without an accurate diagnosis, there is no effective treatment.
ii
Precision interventionism
Minimally invasive techniques guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy: selective blocks, radiofrequency, neuromodulation, regenerative medicine and surgery when indicated.
iii
Integrative support
Pain also has an emotional root. We integrate humanistic psychology and functional rehabilitation to restore your mobility, independence, and quality of life.
What we discuss
Conditions and types of chronic pain.
We treat chronic, neuropathic, musculoskeletal, and post-surgical pain. If you have been experiencing pain for more than three months, we can assess your case.
More frequent
Chronic lower back pain and neck pain
Persistent back and neck pain, herniated discs, facet joint osteoarthritis, and pain of vertebral origin. One of the most common reasons for consultation at our pain clinic.
Neuropathic
Neuropathic pain
Neuralgia, sciatica, postherpetic pain, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve injury pain.
Musculoskeletal
Joint and myofascial pain
Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and shoulder, tendinopathies, fibromyalgia and myofascial syndromes.
Pelvic
Chronic pelvic pain
Persistent pelvic pain, pudendal neuralgia, and gynecological pathologies associated with chronic pain.
Headaches
Headaches and migraines
Chronic migraine, refractory tension headache, occipital neuralgia, and cervicogenic headaches.
Complex
Complex pain syndromes
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), pain refractory to conventional treatments.
Oncology
Cancer pain
Support for patients with pain related to cancer treatments or their after-effects.
Don’t you see your case?
We review reports, MRIs, previous treatments, and clinical evolution to assess whether we can help you.
The team
Six specialists.
One unified strategy.
Monarka’s pain clinic brings together neurosurgery, interventional anesthesiology, and humanistic psychology. A 360º approach where body, mind, and emotions are evaluated collaboratively.
06


NEUROSURGERY
Dra. Mireia Illueca Moreno
Nº COL. 54603
Neurosurgeon trained at the Cleveland Clinic and Barrow Hospital. She heads the medical and surgical department.


NEUROSURGERY AND PAIN
Mònica Buxeda
Nº COL. 49439
Neurosurgeon specializing in cranial surgery, neuro-oncology, and minimally invasive spine surgery.


NEUROSURGERY
Dr. Santiago Garfias Arjona
Nº COL. 070709592
Expert in biportal endoscopic spine surgery and non-invasive neuromodulation. PhD in Neuroscience (with honors).


HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
Montse Escobar Prats
Nº COL. 19266
Humanistic psychologist with a special sensitivity for identifying the emotional root of physical ailments.


ANESTHESIOLOGY
Dr. Enrique Alvarado
Nº COL. 38267
Specialist from the Hospital de Sant Pau. Leading expert in pain therapy and perioperative medicine.


PAIN MANAGEMENT
Dra. Rocío Periñán Blanco
Nº COL. 43/04353
Anesthesiologist trained at the Hospital Clínic. Master in Pain Management (SED/IASP).
Therapeutic options
Treatments according to diagnosis and medical indication.
We recommend conservative and interventional options based on the diagnosis. The goal of chronic pain treatment is to relieve pain and restore quality of life.
Precision surgery
Star treatment
Minimally invasive surgery
Microsurgical neurosurgery of the spine and nerve with reduced incisions, early discharge, and accelerated recovery. Indicated only when the team determines it is the most effective way to resolve the source of the pain.
Under the direction of Dr. Mireia Illueca Moreno.
Procedures requiring an operating room are performed in healthcare centers authorized by the Department of Health of the Government of Catalonia, in accordance with Decree 151/2017.
01
Selective blocks
Ultrasound-guided or fluoroscopy-guided infiltration to interrupt the pain signal with millimeter precision.
02
Radiofrequency
Thermal modulation of the nerves responsible for pain, without open surgery, with lasting results.
03
Facet rhizolysis
Specific treatment of lumbar and cervical pain of articular origin through selective denervation.
04
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Regenerative medicine for joints, tendons and soft tissues using the patient's own growth factors.
05
Hyaluronic acid
Joint viscosupplementation to improve lubrication, reduce inflammation, and restore functionality.
06
Neuromodulation
Selective stimulation of the nervous system to re-educate the pain response in complex pathologies.
The process
From diagnosis to relief in four steps.
i
We listen to you
Initial assessment without rushing: complete medical history, examination and review of previous tests.
ii
360° Evaluation
The team evaluates the case independently: neurosurgery, anesthesiology, and humanistic psychology.
iii
Plan by consensus
We converge on a single therapeutic strategy, clear, prioritized and explained to the patient.
iv
Treatment and follow-up
Application of the indicated techniques with integrative follow-up until functional recovery.
360°
Monarka Model · Integrative Vision
Why Monarka?
Pain should not be treated in compartments.
Neither should your plan.
Most pain clinics operate with specialists. Patients receive partial and often contradictory diagnoses. At Monarka, we’ve changed the model: we begin by listening to you carefully, and then specialists evaluate your case individually to arrive at a single, agreed-upon strategy.
It’s a more demanding model for the team. And much safer, more humane, and more effective for the patient. A true 360º view: body, mind, and emotions.
“We don’t operate on hernias, nor do we perform MRIs or X-rays; we operate on patients.”
— Dr. Mireia Illueca Moreno, Medical Director
What our patients say
Real recovery stories.
Patients who came to our pain clinic in Barcelona after years without answers and found a real solution.
Publicado en Esther Mir Parrilla5. Mayo, 2026Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Llegar a la consulta de la Dra. Mireia Illueca tras 6 años de dolor neuropático diario (tras el muslo), a raíz de la mala ejecución de una prótesis de cadera, ha sido el mayor acierto de mi vida, de hecho me la ha cambiado: me ha devuelto la alegría!!! Yo, no podía estar ni sentada, ni de pie, ni andar sin la ayuda de un bastón, mi dolor sólo remitía estirada. A lo largo de los mencionados años visité a varios traumatólogos reconocidos, incluso me fuí a Madrid... Me operaron en dos ocasiones más, incluido un recambio de prótesis, me trataron con células mesenquimales, PRP, bloqueos, Clínica del dolor, etc... Tras el "no" resultado de la última cirugía el pasado Septiembre, casi a punto de "tirar la toalla", el destino quiso que me pusiera en manos de la Dra. Mireia Illueca, quien en la primera visita dió con el origen de mi DOLOR: a raíz de la asimetría que se produjo tras la primera prótesis de cadera, resulta que el problema estaba en mi espalda (L4/L5). Quedé aturdida al no entender como ningún traumatólogo de los que me habían visto, no hubiera hallado la causa de mi lesión. La Dra. Illueca me abrió las puertas de nuevo a la esperanza, que en algunos casos los otros médicos, me habían cerrado diciéndome en ocasiones, que no había nada que hacer... La Dra. Mireia Illueca me practicó cirugía mínimo invasiva: Radiofrecuencia Pulsada para tratar el origen del dolor. A día de hoy tras unos 5 meses, el dolor ha remitido, he dejado mi bastón y he empezado a hacer vida normal. Destacar de la Doctora, su profesionalidad, precisión, cercanía, honestidad, empatía y sobre todo su PERSONA, que por mi experiencia , puedo decir que no suele ir unido en el caso de algunos profesionales médicos y es tan importante para el paciente!!! Mireia, como te dije: "Te has convertido en mi religión"... Por otro lado, no quiero dejar de mencionar y dar las gracias también, al resto del equipo que me han tratatado: El Dr. Javi Valle que con la Acupuntura ecoguiada, en pocas sesiones "con cariño y con amor" como dice él, me solucionó un daño muscular colateral al neuropático. Virginia, la enfermera que me ha hecho el seguimiento del proceso, con mucha paciéncia y siempre optimista. Cristina, siempre tan atenta, pendiente de la evolución del paciente, además de encantadora. Por fin, estoy en las mejores manos!!! GRACIAS de corazón.Publicado en Agueda Martinez2. Marzo, 2026Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Estoy muy contenta con la Dra Illueca, la conocí cuando me habían desahuciado, la especialista de la columna, y con ella hoy estoy estupenda y caminando sin dificultad. La recomiendo a tope!!!Publicado en carmen moreno2. Marzo, 2026Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Me visite con la Dra Illueca después de muchos años en los que nadie conseguía ayudarme;y haciendo lo que me dijo con pocas sesiones con el fisioterapeuta y con Javi (Acupuntura) he conseguido mejorar muchísimo. Estoy encantada y me encuentro mucho mejor. Recomiendo esta Clínica para alguien con dolor crónico.Publicado en Sílvia Latorre mor25. Febrero, 2026Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Por casualidad el otro día paseando por el Paseo de Gracia me llamó la atención una clínica Llamada Monarka Clínic , (al lado del Hotel Casa Fuster), como todas las mujeres me pudo la curiosidad y entré a preguntar lo que hacían , al explicarme todo , me interese por una sesión con la Dra. Montse Escobar .Tenia una prueba médica que me daba respeto ,muchísima angustia y miedo. Tengo que agradecerle el trabajo que realizó conmigo ese día y no solo eso sino que además se preocupó por mí y me llamó después de realizarme la prueba . Quede tan contenta que que también fueron algunos familiares míos . GRACIAS POR TODO .Publicado en Montse Martinez3. Febrero, 2026Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Encantada con el láser Génesis facial en Clínica Monarka, piel más luminosa al instante y el trato excelente, amable y muy profesionalPublicado en Arantxa8. Enero, 2026Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Me he tratado con la Dra Lladó y con Montse psicoterapeuta y no puedo estar más agradecida. Grandes profesionales, dedicadas , atentas y amables. Y la clínica, una sensación de bienestar y armonía en todo momento.Publicado en Patricia Castellvi23. Diciembre, 2025Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Vull compartir una experiència realment extraordinària a la Clínica Monarka, i molt especialment amb la Dra. Lladó. Feia molt de temps que no em sentia tan escoltada, compresa i acompanyada. Des del primer moment, la Dra. Lladó té una visió holística profunda, entenent no només el símptoma, sinó tot el meu entorn, el meu cos i el meu moment vital. Aquesta mirada global és, sens dubte, el gran valor diferencial de Monarka: necessària, valenta i absolutament avantguardista. La primera fase del tractament ha estat increïble. El resultat de la plasmaferesi ha estat brutal: el cansament extrem que arrossegava pràcticament ha desaparegut i l’energia ha tornat a mi d’una manera que feia molt que no sentia. És un canvi real, tangible i profund. Estic molt il·lusionada per començar la segona fase del tractament i continuar aquest camí de salut conscient i personalitzada. Tant m’ha agradat l’experiència que avui mateix el meu marit inicia la seva primera visita amb la Dra. Lladó. Crec que això ho diu tot. Gràcies, Clínica Monarka, per aquesta manera tan humana, respectuosa i integradora d’entendre la salut. Ens veiem aviat! ✨Publicado en Eulalia sancho planas18. Diciembre, 2025Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. Gràcies a les reconanacions i tractament rebut he aconseguit dormir . Tota la vida amb problemes de son . GràciesPublicado en Luisa Ramis23. Octubre, 2025Trustindex verifica que la fuente original de la reseña sea Google. La Dra Illueta ha sido mi salvadora Entre en quirófano sin poder andar por mi misma , al día siguiente todo había pasado , podía andar y cero dolor , hizo magia !!!! Y como persona podemos ponerle tamb un 10 Gracias a todo el equipoVerificado por: TrustindexLa insignia verificada de Trustindex es el símbolo universal de confianza. Solo las mejores empresas pueden obtener la insignia verificada si tienen una puntuación de revisión superior a 4.5, basada en las reseñas de clientes de los últimos 12 meses. 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Frequently Asked Questions
What you should know before coming.
Answers to the most common questions about our pain clinic in Barcelona.
08
What is the pain clinic in Barcelona?
It is a medical center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. At Monarka, we bring together neurosurgery, interventional anesthesiology, and humanistic psychology to evaluate each case in a coordinated manner and design a personalized treatment plan—without the need for a prior medical referral.
When is it advisable to visit a pain clinic?
If you’ve been experiencing pain for more than three months, if previous treatments haven’t worked, or if the pain is affecting your ability to function and your quality of life, an evaluation is recommended. You don’t need a referral from your primary care physician; you can request an appointment directly. The sooner chronic pain is addressed, the better the treatment options available.
What diseases does the pain clinic treat?
We treat chronic lower back and neck pain, neuropathic pain (sciatica, neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy), musculoskeletal pain (osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, tendinopathies), post-surgical pain, chronic pelvic pain, headaches and migraines, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and cancer pain.
What do they give you at the pain clinic?
The most common interventional techniques include ultrasound-guided selective blocks (local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and radiofrequency ablation. We also perform facet joint rhizolysis and neuromodulation when indicated. Each technique is prescribed only after an individualized medical evaluation.
Which specialist treats chronic pain?
Chronic pain is not the responsibility of a single specialty. At Monarka, anesthesiology and pain management, neurosurgery, and humanistic psychology all collaborate. Each specialist evaluates the case independently, and then the team agrees on a unified treatment plan.
What tests should I bring to the first visit?
Please bring any previous medical reports, recent MRIs or X-rays, a list of current medications, and any additional tests related to your pain. If you don’t have any of these tests, we can review them during your consultation and order them if necessary.
Do you treat fibromyalgia and chronic pelvic pain?
Yes. Both conditions require a specific multidisciplinary approach. We coordinate the process with specialists in pain management, rehabilitation, and psychological support when indicated, tailoring the plan to each patient’s clinical profile.
Where are you located and how do I make an appointment?
We are located at Paseo de Gracia, 130 (08008 Barcelona), next to the Hotel Casa Fuster. You can request your first appointment by phone at +34 930 490 300, by email at info@monarkaclinic.com, or through the website form. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. Metro: L3/L5 Diagonal or FGC Provença.
How to get there
In the heart of Barcelona.
Our pain clinic is located at Paseo de Gracia, 130, next to the Hotel Casa Fuster. It is well connected by public transport and accessible from the entire metropolitan area.
Address
Paseo de Gracia, 130
08008 Barcelona
Phone
+34 930 490 300
info@monarkaclinic.com
Schedule
Monday to Friday · 10:00 — 20:00
Metro
L3 Diagonal · L5 Diagonal · FGC Provença
For referring physicians
We coordinate with referring physicians.
If you are a primary care physician, specialist, or healthcare professional and need to refer a patient with chronic pain, we offer a clear and streamlined clinical coordination process.
- Priority assessment of referred patients with clinical report
- Structured return report to the referring physician after the assessment
- Coordination with specialists in pain, rehabilitation, and psychology
- Direct communication with the medical team for complex cases
- Access to interventional techniques and minimally invasive surgery
To refer a patient or discuss a case, please contact our clinical coordination team directly.
info@monarkaclinic.com
Initial assessment
Book your first appointment at our pain clinic in Barcelona.
Let’s start by understanding what’s hurting you and why. We’ll be with you from diagnosis to recovery.
The treatments described require a prescription and medical supervision. Each technique is indicated only when the team determines it is clinically justified after an individualized assessment. Surgical procedures requiring an operating room are performed in healthcare centers authorized by the Catalan Health Department (Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya). Information subject to Royal Decree 1907/1996. By contacting us, you accept our privacy policy in accordance with the GDPR and the LOPDGDD.
