Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s Essential 5 Questions to Ask Your Pain Doctor Before Beginning Treatment

Chronic pain is a complex and deeply personal experience. When you decide to seek professional help, choosing the right pain management specialist is crucial for your journey toward relief and improved quality of life. Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a respected pain management specialist, emphasizes that the relationship between patient and doctor should be built on clear communication, trust, and shared understanding.

Before starting any pain treatment plan, it’s important to come prepared with thoughtful questions to ensure you and your doctor are aligned on your goals, expectations, and options. In this blog post, Dr. Sudberg shares the five essential questions you should ask your pain doctor before beginning treatment, helping you become an empowered advocate in your own care.

Why Asking Questions Matters

Many patients feel overwhelmed or unsure about pain treatments, especially given the variety of options available today — from medications and injections to physical therapy and advanced interventions like spinal cord stimulation or radiofrequency ablation. Each treatment carries benefits, risks, and commitments.

Dr. Sudberg notes:

“Pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all. Asking the right questions helps patients understand their condition, treatment possibilities, and what to expect. This way, they can make informed decisions and actively participate in their recovery.”

Question 1: What Is the Underlying Cause of My Pain?

Understanding your diagnosis is the foundation of effective pain management. Before diving into treatments, ask your pain doctor:

“Can you explain what’s causing my pain and how you arrived at this diagnosis?”

Dr. Sudberg explains:

“Many patients come in with pain but no clear explanation. A thorough evaluation—medical history, physical exam, imaging, and sometimes diagnostic nerve blocks—helps pinpoint the source.”

Knowing the cause helps tailor treatments that address the root problem rather than just masking symptoms.

Question 2: What Treatment Options Are Available, and Which Do You Recommend?

Pain management offers many paths, and your doctor’s expertise guides the choice.

Ask:

“What are my treatment options, and which do you recommend based on my condition and lifestyle?”

Dr. Sudberg stresses the importance of individualized care:

“There’s rarely a single best treatment. Often, a multidisciplinary approach combining medications, physical therapy, injections, or neuromodulation offers the best results. I work with patients to find the right combination for their unique needs.”

Be sure to discuss both conservative options and advanced interventions, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Question 3: What Are the Risks and Benefits of the Proposed Treatment?

Every treatment comes with potential benefits and risks. Transparency is key.

Ask:

“Can you explain the potential benefits, side effects, and risks associated with this treatment?”

Dr. Sudberg advises:

“Patients should understand not just the upside but possible complications. For example, injections carry infection risk, medications may have side effects or dependency potential, and procedures like radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation have their own considerations.”

Understanding this helps you weigh the treatment’s value and prepare mentally and physically.

Question 4: How Will We Measure Success, and What Are Realistic Expectations?

Pain management goals often go beyond simply eliminating pain—they include improving function, mood, and overall quality of life.

Ask your doctor:

“How will we measure whether the treatment is working? What should I realistically expect in terms of pain relief and improvements?”

Dr. Sudberg highlights:

“Setting realistic goals prevents disappointment. Many patients achieve significant relief—sometimes 50-70% reduction—which can be life-changing. But complete elimination of pain is rare. Success also means better mobility, sleep, and mood.”

Tracking progress through pain diaries, functional assessments, or follow-up visits keeps treatment on course.

Question 5: What Are the Next Steps If This Treatment Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes, initial treatments don’t provide the relief hoped for. Planning ahead helps avoid frustration.

Ask:

“If this treatment isn’t effective, what are the next options? How will we adjust the plan?”

Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains:

“Chronic pain often requires a dynamic approach. If one treatment falls short, we reassess and explore alternatives—whether it’s trying a different medication, adding physical therapy, or considering advanced procedures like nerve blocks or neuromodulation.”

Knowing there’s a plan B (and C) offers peace of mind.

Bonus Tips from Dr. Jordan Sudberg for Patients Starting Pain Treatment

• Keep a Pain Journal: Track pain intensity, triggers, and how treatments affect you. This information is invaluable for your doctor.
  
• Be Honest: Share your full medical history, including mental health and substance use. This helps tailor safe, effective treatments.
  
• Ask for Educational Materials: Don’t hesitate to request brochures, videos, or reputable websites to better understand your condition and treatments.
  
• Involve Family or Caregivers: Bringing someone to appointments can help remember details and support your care.
  
• Stay Engaged: Chronic pain management is a partnership. Attend follow-ups, share feedback, and ask questions as your treatment progresses.
  

Why Choose a Specialist Like Dr. Jordan Sudberg?

Dr. Sudberg brings years of experience and a patient-centered philosophy to pain management. He emphasizes:

“My goal is to treat the whole person, not just the pain. That means understanding your lifestyle, goals, and concerns, then developing a plan that fits your needs.”

His multidisciplinary approach integrates medication management, interventional procedures, psychological support, and rehabilitation therapies, offering comprehensive care.

Final Thoughts: Empower Yourself with These 5 Questions

Starting pain treatment can feel daunting, but coming prepared with these five essential questions helps you gain clarity, confidence, and control.

• What is causing my pain?
  
• What are my treatment options?
  
• What are the risks and benefits?
  
• How will we measure success?
  
• What if the treatment doesn’t work?
  

By asking these questions and working closely with specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, you pave the way for better pain control and a higher quality of life.