Interventional pain management
J. Wesley Rayburn, M.D.
Locations: Des Moines (Downtown), Ankeny, West Des Moines
About Dr. Rayburn
Dr. Rayburn earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Mississippi, graduating summa cum laude from the honors college and receiving the Taylor Medal, which is the highest academic honor given by the university. He entered the University of Mississippi Medical School.
After graduating from medical school, Dr. Rayburn spent his intern year in general surgery at the University of Missouri before beginning his residency in physical medicine & rehabilitation, where he earned a reputation for his friendliness, his untiring dedication to efficiency, his efforts to improve every aspect of the program, as well as hanging a disco ball in the residents’ room and instituting Friday afternoon dance parties.
Following residency, Dr. Rayburn completed a one-year fellowship in biodesign and innovation at the University of Missouri, where he invented several medical devices and submitted three patent applications.
Next, Dr. Rayburn completed a one-year fellowship in pain management with Arizona Pain Specialists in Scottsdale, Arizona. During his training there, he performed over 2,400 procedures treating all kinds of pain from head to toe.
Since moving to Des Moines, Dr. Rayburn has enjoyed working with the great people of Iowa. He has dedicated his well-honed problem-solving skills to finding the source of his patients’ pain and developing a comprehensive plan to improve their quality of life. He believes that a patient should be looked at as a whole person. His treatments include, but are not limited to, advice on exercises and dietary choices to alleviate pain, prescriptions for physical therapy and injections. Injections can be a very helpful part of treatment but the specific injection should be carefully chosen, taking into account the patient’s history of pain, the physical exam and diagnostic studies such as X-rays or MRIs. He can also employ regenerative orthopedics for some patients to help relieve pain.
Dr. Rayburn enjoys traveling – especially taking road trips in his free time. He also enjoys continuing the research and development of his ideas to create technology and devices to help improve humanity.
University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri, Arizona Pain Specialists; Scottsdale, Arizona
Residency
University of Missouri; Columbia, MO
Internship
University of Missouri; Columbia, MO
Medical Degree
University of Mississippi; Jackson, MS
Undergrad
University of Mississippi; Oxford, MS
Joint pain
Spine pain
Nerve pain
CRPS
Motor vehicle injuries
Pain before or after knee replacement
Shoulder and upper extremity pain
Hip pain
Leg and foot pain
Pelvic pain
Neuropathy
Head/facial pain
Regenerative orthopedics
Work-related injuries
IMEs
Get to Know Dr. Wes Rayburn – Interventional Pain Management Specialist
My Team
Patient Reviews
June 26, 2025
I’ve seen Dr. Rayburn for almost 5 years now. I’m always greeted with a smile. Today I saw his Pa. It was the first time meeting her. She was very kind and helpful.
Patient Submitted Review
June 12, 2025
Dr Wesley Rayburn- Great Pain Specialist. Highly recommend. Very professional and compassionate towards your care and easy to talk to. Gives you enough time to talk without rushing you or interrupting you about treatments and what works best for your needs. Very pleased with outcome of results each time I’ve needed to be seen.
Patient Submitted Review
June 10, 2025
Much quicker than I anticipated. The staff was very couteous, helpful, explained everything to my satisfaction. I am very comfortable with all the care I receive at Iowa Ortho.
Patient Submitted Review
May 27, 2025
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Rayburn. He provided a pain shot that completely relieved all of my pain. I highly recommend him! Dr. Rayburn is kind, knowledgeable, and very professional. I truly appreciate the care and expertise I received.
Patient Submitted Review
May 13, 2025
Everyone was very nice and knowledgeable. Dr Rayburn is very easy to talk to and listens to what you have to say. Katie and the rest of the staff were so thoughtful and concerned about how I was doing.
Patient Submitted Review
April 29, 2025
I have been seeing Doctor Rayburn for some time on my Arthritis iny Spine and Lower Back. He is very caring and understands what his patients need for there care.
Patient Submitted Review
April 7, 2025
Dr Rayburn always takes time to listen and answer all your questions. He has a great bedside manner as well as still having compassion for his patients.
Patient Submitted Review
March 31, 2025
Dr. Rayburn and his staff were absolutely wonderful!! They took the time to listen to my concerns and answered all of them. I would highly reccomend them!! Also, the new surgical facility is very state-of-the-art. Very efficient. Everyone makes sure you feel and are very comfortable.
Patient Submitted Review
March 12, 2025
My visit today with Dr. Rayburn for hip pain was met with care and concern. The staff was very polite and professional. I would highly recommend Iowa Ortho and Dr. Rayburn to handle any of your pain management needs.
Patient Submitted Review
March 5, 2025
Absolutely the best care I have had in a long time! Loved everyone! Definitely would see them again.
Patient Submitted Review
February 26, 2025
Dr. Rayburn provided professional and compassionate care while I was dealing with pain from a traumatic right ankle break. I am on the road to recovery and thankful for his role in this long process!
Patient Submitted Review
February 24, 2025
Such a great experience for my first time getting an injection in my spine. Dr. Rayburn and his team were extraordinary in the delivery and talking me through everything they were doing.
Patient Submitted Review
February 12, 2025
Dr. Rayburn is very professional and competent. I have been very happy with my results when requiring the need for pain management. He listens to my concerns and is always familiar with my case history and knows what treatment works best.
Patient Submitted Review
February 12, 2025
I’m so glad to have the care of Iowa Orthopedics. Dr. Rayburn is an exceptional physician in his skills and professionalism. He’s very easy to talk to and gives you enough time to discuss the treatment plans and options. I would highly recommend him.
Patient Submitted Review
February 11, 2025
I think Dr Rayburn is an excellent doctor he’s got an excellent bedside manner and I really like him o
Patient Submitted Review
February 5, 2025
It’s very clean, nurses are very knowledgeable phlebotomist are fantastic she got the Iv needle in the first time . Dr . Rayburn is a great Doctor , Everyone was very respectful and friendly.
Patient Submitted Review
January 30, 2025
Dr Rayburn is such a gentle and compassionate person..he was understanding of my pain and where it was coming from..not the hip as thought..he checked and found it in my back…I go downtown for a shot under xray now…I look forward to having him work on me there..
Patient Submitted Review
January 15, 2025
Dr Rayburn is very efficient and knowledgeable. He also has an excellent staff. Like the new location downstairs on laurel.
Patient Submitted Review
January 13, 2025
I had an ablation with Dr. Rayburn today. The new Riverhills center is very nice. Everyone there was kind and attentive. Dr. Rayburn described the procedure and asked if I had any questions. It went quickly and I am looking forward to the pain relief.
Patient Submitted Review
January 7, 2025
I have gone to see Dr. Wesley Rayburn for about 3 to 4 years now for Lower Back issues. I have received steroid injections, epidurals, and medial blocks on either one side or the other of my spine in the L 2 3 4 5 and S1 and sometimes it has been both sides . I have also just received the Multi-Level Lidocaine Injections on both sides of my Spine to see if they would give me relief for my severe Sciatica pain. There are two sessions that you get the lidocaine injections. They do the first round and the first 4 hours after those injections of Lidocaine you keep track on a graph if you had pain relief and to what measure of pain relief you had. About a month after the first one is when the second one takes place and the same procedure with keeping track of the pain level if it helps or not. Thank God golf sessions worked very well. The next thing we will be doing is the burning of the nerves. I stand a good chance of getting quite a bit of pain relief from the sciatica for hopefully a year. They burn the nerves about once a year. I am looking forward to having this done. I would recommend the doctor Rayburn to anyone that has back issues and it’s to the point where they need injections or other procedures done. He will be able to give you some relief which for me has been everything a GODSEND.❤🙏💯
Patient Submitted Review
August 23, 2024
I am so happy to have found Dr. J. Wesley Rathburn. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking an extremely competent doctor and someone who genuinely cares about his patients. In today’s world, where healthcare feels so impersonal, Dr. Rathburn shines as a compassionate and dedicated professional. Dr. Rathburn took the time to listen attentively to me, never rushing through the appointment or making me feel like just another number. It was evident that he genuinely cared about my well-being.
Patient Submitted Review
May 24, 2024
I liked Dr Rayburn. He had reviewed my MRI, X-rays and other doctors’ documentation. He was ready for my appointment. He was very thorough and evaluated what I needed and what he needed to do. He was very positive and confident. His demeanor exuded a high level of caring and compassion. He emphasized the need to concentrate on relief in the first hours after the epidural as well as the long term relief providing feedback for future treatment.
Patient Submitted Review
November 29, 2023
I’ve been with Iowa Ortho for 13 years. Dr Rayburn for 10 of that. He takes time and listens. He’s very professional and personable.
Patient Submitted Review
September 11, 2023
Dr Rayburn’s nerve ablations enable me to walk without pain. He is cautious and meticulous in his approach. He has integrity, and his entire team works well together. I am very grateful for the help I have received from all.
Patient Submitted Review
August 15, 2023
Dr. Rayburn explained what to expect during my procedure, took time to see if I had any questions or concerns & not only is he professional, but has a great bedside manner & sense of humor.
Patient Submitted Review
June 21, 2023
I would highly recommend Dr. Rayburn for any procedures needed. The nurses were also very good. Irving Gilbert
Patient Submitted Review
October 26, 2022
I have been to numerous Doctors for the extreme pain in my back and Dr.Rayburn has given me the most relief. When he did shots in my back to help take away the pain, I did not even feel the needles, he was that smooth and concerned about my pain. I would most highly recommend him to anyone.
Patient Submitted Review
October 24, 2022
It’s always a pleasant experience when I see Dr Rayburn. He does an excellent job of putting his patient at ease.
Patient Submitted Review
October 19, 2022
Excellent experience. Every person was extremely professional and yet providing pleasant responses and caring concerns. I highly recommend this servicing!
Patient Submitted Review
October 19, 2022
De Rayburn is the most compassionate Dr I have seen so far regarding my back pain! I have had several pain injections and yesterday I had a Radio frequency ablation on my Thoracic spine. Though the sedation they used didn’t work well for me, I am very hopeful that this procedure will give me relief. If it works I would love for him to do my lumbar area- I have had very severe pain for several years. I am seeing Dr Rayburn as my only hope for less pain and a better level of living life! I highly recommend him and his staff is amazingly kind and helpful! Big thumbs up Dr Rayburn!!!
Patient Submitted Review
May 3, 2022
Dr. Rayburn was very caring on my lower back pain and actually listened to my concerns. I never felt like it was rushed during my appointments and was very respectful. I would recommend him to anyone for lower back pain to analyze what the best route to take to mitigate or fix your back pain.
Patient Submitted Review
October 29, 2021
Always a pleasure to meet with Dr.Rayburn and his staff. Timely, efficient, and I believe they truly care about the reduction of pain!
Patient Submitted Review
October 9, 2021
All rhe doctors at Iowa Ortho are very good. I appreciate what they’ve done for me. My condition is much more complicated than can be taken care by Iowa Ortha, but again, I appreciate their willingness to try their hardest to come up with a solution for my hip and leg pain.
Patient Submitted Review
September 1, 2021
had been going to another pain clinic and couldn’t find the help I needed. Dr Rayburn and staff were very informative and made a plan for me. Very professional and answered my questions. Had a cervical ablation yesterday and hoping my problem will be solved.
Patient Submitted Review
August 14, 2021
It went very well. Dr. Rayburn is very skilled in what he does and is highly educated and experienced in pain management. I have been pleased with the care from his nurses and the Iowa Ortho Staff.
Patient Submitted Review
July 30, 2021
I am extremely thankful for the pain relief I have had through the nerve block ablation injections to L3 through S1 and the bilateral sacroiliac joint injections. I have struggled with severe back issues for over a year, which grew progressively worse. When I received the nerve block ablation injections, I was having almost constant severe pain in my lower back and legs. The ablation injections took away my pain immediately! I did continue to have brief, minimal lower back pain whenever I tried to stand for more than a minute or two and I was unable to walk any distance without the assistance of a walker. The recent joint injections have improved this situation and I hope that I will continue to improve with time. I am very blessed to have this relief and a return to some quality of life. Thank you, Dr. Rayburn, for your expertise.
Patient Submitted Review
July 16, 2021
I have had several injections and the staff is very caring and professional. I would refer anyone with back problems to Iowa Ortho. Thanks
Patient Submitted Review
July 9, 2021
Dr. Rayburn and the Staff at Iowa Ortho have been a Godsend for me! Had hip injection elsewhere and suffered horrifically during and after procedure. Have had two injections now from Dr. Rayburn and I can tell you the man knows what he’s about. While not a completely painless process he does it with competence and skillful care so as to make you as comfortable as possible. Would recommend him to anyone needing an injection. Thank You Dr. Rayburn and Staff ***Had another injection on 6/30/2021*** Same Professionalism from Dr. Rayburn as per usual. The Nurse that I had on this Visit was Absolutely Wonderful! All of the Nurses are Polite and Professional, but this particular Nurse deserves an Extra Special Shout Out from me! She was Above and Beyond in Personality and Professionalism. So Very Compassionate and Empathetic with me that I have to let everyone know how Exceptional she is and Deserves the Recognition!
Patient Submitted Review
July 2, 2021
I had incredible back pain for several weeks. Through a series of three doctors I ended with Dr. Rayburn. He put me at ease right away and did the procedure. By the next day, I already felt the relief. Thank you Dr. Rayburn! I would highly recommend him to anyone!
Patient Submitted Review
May 5, 2021
Dr. Rayburn is the best pain doctor I have ever seen and I have been to many different doctors. He is very professional, and so effective.
Patient Submitted Review
April 7, 2021
It took a year of fighting with insurance to get this procedure done. Did right side yesterday left side next week. Feel great. From nurses through the procedure was great care.
Patient Submitted Review
March 30, 2021
Thank you for making my life so much more enjoyable. I love it when my pain goes away because of a Dr. like you taking care of me. I feel like you really do care.
Patient Submitted Review
January 15, 2021
The procedure was done quickly and accurately. My hips are much better now and I thank you, Dr. Rayburn! I can always count on you.
Patient Submitted Review
October 31, 2020
Dr. Rayburn was very kind and gentle during my procedure. Very reassuring. I would recommend his services.
Patient Submitted Review
October 23, 2020
Everyone was very pleasant to work with and explained my condition and the procedure clearly. I was given many opportunities to ask questions. Woke this morning feeling more like the old me!! Thank You
Patient Submitted Review
June 10, 2020
Thank you Dr. Rayburn. I have been treated with a bilateral radio frequency ablation for Occipital Neuralgia. The procedure went well. I am still soar because it was very recent, but I expect to feel better soon and shut down the pain. Thank you to the Dr. Nurses and staff that took good care of me. I would like to have a conversation soon with the Dr. on my follow up appointment about me stop feeling pain for good. I will update my review.
Patient Submitted Review
May 27, 2020
Each of my visits with Dr. Rayburn have all had excellent results. I have a chronic back condition. I have complete confidence in his expert abilities with skillful injections and other procedures when they occasionally become medically necessary and needed to give me the gift of a better quality of life. I recommend Dr. Rayburn and his caring and kind staff to my family and friends, and to anyone who can benefit from his and his staff’s expert medical care.
Patient Submitted Review
December 21, 2019
Dr. Rayburn and his office staff have all been very nice. I am getting the help that I need which by the way the pain doctor in Ottumwa Ia (Scott Miller) either will not help or cannot help. It has been a long time since I had a option outside of pain medication that will help long term. And for that I am thankful.
Patient Submitted Review
October 17, 2019
Everything went smooth and everyone super nice. Explained things happening throughout the procedure from checking in to being released. Awesome Doctor and Staff.
Patient Submitted Review
October 9, 2019
Dr. Rayburn is very polite. He has a great bedside manner. And he’s very quick. He comes in, fixes you up, and then he’s gone.
Patient Submitted Review
October 3, 2019
Very professional and knowledgeable of my condition. Took the time to explain treatment options. Instilled confidence that chronic condition has a plan of action.
Patient Submitted Review
September 20, 2019
Dr. Rayburn was very courteous and professional. The procedure was performed quickly and painlessly. This is the second time I have been to him for this procedure and will return to him if I need it again.
Patient Submitted Review
August 22, 2019
Dr Rayburn is great! He is concerned about his patients and their pain. I would highly recommend him to anyone!
Patient Submitted Review
August 14, 2019
He’s very good ! Listens to you tries.to do all he can to find the cause & alleviate your pain. I highly recommend him
Patient Submitted Review
July 10, 2019
Dr. Rayburn and his team are an absolute joyful experience. I feel very comfortable and safe with that team and there is no doubt in my mind that they really care about their patients. Dr. Rayburn is completely committed to help each of his patients. He expressed excitement about a treatment that was diminishing my pain level. Dr. Rayburn and his staff are a prime example of what good Healthcare should be.
Patient Submitted Review
May 9, 2019
They take a very active roll in your care. Dr.Rayburn does Awesome work and keeps me moving with very little pain after my treatments. A big thank you!!!!
Patient Submitted Review
May 1, 2019
I’ve had serious back and leg pain. Dr. Rayburn took the time to listen and check out my issues. He explained my options and made me very comfortable with the decisions we had to make. Thanks for taking the time to listen. Seems a rarity lately with Doctors.
Patient Submitted Review
April 18, 2019
Dr Rayburn is readily available, responsive to your needs takes the time to explain your options, etc and has a very pleasant personality. He even went the extra mile to appeal an insurance denial of paying for a procedure not yet covered by them. I have been seeing him for several years and have recommended him to friends.
Patient Submitted Review
April 12, 2019
Dr. Rayburn took the time to listen to me and explain my issues in a manner I could understand. I appreciate the time he took during my exam to make sure I understood what was going on and what the next steps would be.
Patient Submitted Review
March 28, 2019
Dr. Rayburn and his staff are very professional friendly and amazing human beings. I always feel at ease when I’m around the doctor and his staff they are all very caring people
Patient Submitted Review
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