Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains Why Rest Isn’t Always the Best Medicine for Breaking the Pain Cycle

When we experience pain, the first instinct is often to rest. It makes sense, right? Our bodies are telling us to stop, take it easy, and give our muscles, joints, or nerves time to heal. However, for those dealing with chronic pain, Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management specialist, believes that rest may not always be the best solution. In fact, prolonged rest can sometimes worsen pain and create a cycle that’s difficult to break.

In this post, we’ll explore why rest isn’t always the best approach to pain management, and how a more active, rehabilitative strategy can help break the pain cycle and improve long-term outcomes.

Understanding the Pain Cycle

Pain, especially chronic pain, can become a complex cycle that not only affects the body but also the mind. Dr. Jordan Sudberg often explains to his patients that when pain persists, the body and brain can become sensitized to it, making the pain feel more intense and widespread.

“The cycle starts with injury or initial pain. When the body experiences pain, it naturally slows down and limits movement. However, if you stay inactive for too long, your muscles and joints become weaker, which can actually increase the pain over time,” says Dr. Sudberg.

For many individuals, prolonged rest can lead to stiffness, decreased flexibility, and deconditioned muscles. This can make the pain feel more pronounced when they attempt normal activities, creating a vicious loop of discomfort and further avoidance of movement.

Why Rest Isn’t the Solution

While it may seem intuitive to rest when you’re in pain, Dr. Sudberg points out that prolonged inactivity can actually be counterproductive. Here’s why:

1. Decreased Strength and Flexibility

When you rest too long, muscles and connective tissues become weaker and less flexible. This results in reduced mobility, making it harder to perform everyday tasks. For example, back pain patients who avoid activity may end up with weakened core muscles, which are essential for supporting the spine.

“Staying still doesn’t allow the body to adapt to the pain, nor does it promote healing. In fact, inactivity can make the body more prone to injury and pain,” explains Dr. Sudberg.

2. Increased Sensitivity to Pain

Chronic pain often leads to changes in the brain and nervous system. A lack of movement can exacerbate this, making the brain more sensitive to pain signals. This phenomenon is known as central sensitization.

“When you don’t move, the nervous system essentially starts to expect pain, leading to increased sensitivity and a lower pain threshold. Inactive individuals tend to experience more intense pain with even minimal movements,” says Dr. Sudberg.

3. Muscle Atrophy and Joint Stiffness

If you’re not using your muscles and joints regularly, they can begin to lose their ability to function properly. Muscle atrophy (wasting) and joint stiffness can occur, making it even harder to recover when you do try to get moving.

Active Treatment: The Key to Breaking the Pain Cycle

Rather than resting, Dr. Sudberg advocates for an active approach to pain management. He emphasizes the importance of gradually reintroducing movement and strengthening the body to break the pain cycle.

1. Physical Therapy and Exercise

One of the most effective treatments for chronic pain is physical therapy. Guided exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and balance can help patients regain functionality and reduce pain over time. These exercises are carefully tailored to the patient’s condition to avoid exacerbating pain.

“Controlled movement is key. It helps strengthen the body’s muscles and connective tissues, improving stability and reducing the stress on painful areas,” Dr. Sudberg explains. “Through physical therapy, patients learn to move more efficiently, which can dramatically decrease pain.”

2. Gradual Activity Progression

Instead of jumping straight into strenuous physical activity, Dr. Sudberg recommends gradually increasing activity levels. Start with gentle movements such as walking or stretching, and slowly work your way up to more intense exercises.

“By gradually reintroducing activity, you’re teaching your body how to function again. This progressive approach allows the body to adapt to the pain and rebuild strength, without overwhelming the system,” Dr. Sudberg advises.

3. Mind-Body Techniques

Chronic pain is not just physical—it has psychological and emotional components as well. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals manage the mental stress that comes with chronic pain. Stress and anxiety can worsen pain, so learning to manage these emotions is crucial for breaking the cycle.

“Mind-body approaches, like mindfulness meditation, can reduce the emotional response to pain and improve pain tolerance. The brain plays a huge role in how we perceive pain, and learning to change our relationship with it can be transformative,” Dr. Sudberg states.

4. Manual Therapy and Other Modalities

Dr. Sudberg also incorporates manual therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic adjustments to improve mobility and relieve pain. These treatments can complement physical therapy and promote healing by addressing underlying muscle tension or misalignments that contribute to pain.

Breaking the Pain Cycle: A Comprehensive Approach

Dr. Jordan Sudberg emphasizes that breaking the pain cycle requires a holistic approach. It’s not just about treating the pain—it’s about addressing all the factors that contribute to it. His clinic utilizes a variety of treatments, combining physical rehabilitation, mental health strategies, and alternative therapies to ensure that patients not only experience pain relief but also regain a sense of control over their lives.

“Pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all,” says Dr. Sudberg. “It requires a tailored approach, where rest is just one piece of the puzzle. Resting is necessary for recovery, but it should never be the sole solution. Instead, it’s about re-engaging with life through controlled, progressive activity and incorporating holistic strategies for healing.”

Conclusion: Rest Isn’t the Answer—Movement Is

While rest may seem like the natural choice when dealing with pain, Dr. Jordan Sudberg urges patients to rethink their approach to pain management. Active rehabilitation, mental health support, and a comprehensive treatment plan that includes movement and therapy are far more effective in breaking the pain cycle and achieving long-term relief.

If you’re trapped in a cycle of pain and rest, it’s time to consult with a pain management specialist like Dr. Jordan Sudberg. Together, you can explore a treatment plan that goes beyond rest and helps you move toward healing and recovery.