Pain is one of the body’s most effective warning signals, alerting us to injury or illness. But when that pain lingers long after the original cause has healed, it can turn from a protective mechanism into a debilitating condition. Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, often diminishing quality of life and complicating treatment. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, one of the most important questions both patients and healthcare providers should be asking is: Can acute pain be stopped before it becomes chronic?
The answer, according to Dr. Sudberg, is a resounding yes—but it requires timely intervention, a comprehensive understanding of pain pathways, and a proactive treatment approach.
Understanding the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain
Acute pain is typically sharp, sudden, and linked directly to a specific injury or illness—like a broken bone, a surgical incision, or an infection. It usually resolves within days to weeks as the underlying issue heals. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for months or even years and may remain even after the original injury has healed.
“Pain that goes unmanaged or undertreated in its early stages can become ingrained in the nervous system,” explains Jordan Sudberg. “Once that happens, the body essentially learns pain as a new normal, making it far more difficult to treat.”
The Transition: Why Acute Pain Becomes Chronic
The process through which acute pain becomes chronic is known as central sensitization. In simple terms, this occurs when the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, and the brain continues to perceive pain even when there is no ongoing physical damage.
Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that inflammation, nerve damage, psychological stress, and even inadequate treatment during the acute phase can all contribute to this transition. “The longer acute pain is left unchecked, the greater the risk of it rewiring the brain and spinal cord in ways that amplify pain signals,” he says.
Proactive Pain Management: Jordan Sudberg’s Approach
To prevent acute pain from developing into a chronic condition, Dr. Sudberg advocates for a multidisciplinary and timely approach. “Early intervention is key,” he explains. “We want to treat pain at its root, manage inflammation, address any psychological components, and restore function as quickly as possible.”
Some of the cornerstones of Sudberg’s preventive strategy include:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
Identifying the precise source of pain is crucial. Whether it’s a herniated disc, muscle strain, or post-surgical discomfort, correct diagnosis ensures that treatment is targeted and effective.
2. Timely Medical Treatment
“Delays in addressing acute pain can lead to complications,” says Sudberg. This might involve medication, nerve blocks, or physical therapy depending on the case.
3. Physical Therapy and Movement
Immobilization can worsen outcomes, particularly in musculoskeletal injuries. Jordan Sudberg often works with physical therapists to help patients maintain or regain mobility, which reduces inflammation and improves recovery time.
4. Psychological Support
Chronic pain is often intertwined with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Sudberg highlights the importance of psychological screening and interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce stress-related amplification of pain.
5. Patient Education
“Patients who understand their pain and their treatment plan are more likely to recover fully,” says Sudberg. He emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations and involving patients in their own care.
Innovative Therapies and the Future of Pain Prevention
Jordan Sudberg also stays at the forefront of emerging therapies that show promise in preventing chronic pain. These include regenerative medicine approaches like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy, as well as neuromodulation techniques such as spinal cord stimulation.
“Technology is giving us new tools to intervene early and more effectively than ever before,” Sudberg notes. “But none of these replace the need for a solid, individualized care plan.”
Final Thoughts: The Power of Prevention
While chronic pain may seem like an inevitable outcome for many injuries and conditions, Jordan Sudberg believes that we can—and must—do better. “The transition from acute to chronic pain isn’t a mystery. It’s a process we understand, and one we can often interrupt with the right strategy.”
By addressing pain early, involving multiple disciplines, and empowering patients with knowledge and support, we can drastically reduce the number of people suffering from chronic pain. For Sudberg and his team, the goal is not just to treat pain—but to stop it from ever becoming a lifelong burden.