Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s the result of an injury, a medical condition, or an unknown cause, finding relief often means working with a pain management specialist. But how do you know you’re asking the right questions? According to Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management doctor and expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the quality of your care begins with the quality of your conversations.
With years of clinical experience and a passion for patient-centered care, Dr. Jordan Sudberg believes that informed patients are empowered patients. Knowing what to ask can help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term management strategies—leading to more effective and personalized pain relief.
Here’s a guide, inspired by Dr. Sudberg’s approach, to help you ask the most important questions at your next pain management appointment.
1. What’s the Root Cause of My Pain?
“Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis,” says Jordan Sudberg. One of the first and most crucial questions you should ask is whether your provider has identified the underlying cause of your pain. Understanding this root issue—whether it’s nerve damage, inflammation, arthritis, or something else—can significantly influence your treatment plan.
Don’t settle for vague answers. Ask about imaging, diagnostics, and what the provider is doing to get to the source of your discomfort.
2. What Are My Treatment Options?
Pain can be treated in many ways: physical therapy, medications, injections, nerve blocks, regenerative medicine, and in some cases, surgery. According to Dr. Sudberg, a comprehensive pain management plan should explore all evidence-based options and not just rely on medication.
“Ask about the full range of interventions,” he advises. “And make sure you understand the pros and cons of each.”
3. Are These Treatments Safe and Effective for My Specific Condition?
Every patient is different. What works for one person might not work for another. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes the importance of individualized care, warning patients not to accept a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Ask your doctor:
- What evidence supports this treatment for my condition?
- How have other patients like me responded?
- What are the risks or side effects?
4. What Role Can I Play in My Recovery?
Dr. Sudberg believes strongly in patient empowerment. “Pain management isn’t passive,” he says. “Patients should be active participants in their care.”
Ask what you can do outside of appointments—whether that’s physical therapy, dietary changes, exercise, stress management, or sleep optimization—to support your healing and reduce reliance on medical interventions.
5. What’s the Long-Term Outlook?
Living with pain can be draining, especially if you don’t know what the future holds. Ask your doctor for a realistic prognosis and whether long-term pain relief is achievable. Will you need ongoing care? Are there signs your condition may improve over time?
Jordan Sudberg encourages open, honest dialogue to set clear expectations and avoid false hope.
6. How Do You Approach Opioid Use in Pain Management?
In the current healthcare landscape, opioid use is a sensitive and important topic. Dr. Sudberg recommends patients ask directly about painkiller use and what alternatives may be available.
“Opioids can be effective but must be handled responsibly,” he explains. “Understanding your provider’s philosophy helps ensure your care is both compassionate and safe.”
Final Thoughts
Seeing a pain management specialist is a major step toward reclaiming your quality of life. But to get the most from that experience, you need to ask the right questions—and more importantly, feel confident in the answers.
Jordan Sudberg’s patient-first approach serves as a reminder that communication is key. With the right guidance and a clear roadmap, relief is not just possible—it’s achievable.