Dr. Jordan Sudberg on How Often You Should See a Pain Specialist for Lasting Relief

Chronic pain can be a life-altering experience—one that not only affects your body but also your mental well-being, relationships, sleep, and productivity. When over-the-counter medications and rest no longer cut it, many patients are referred to a pain management specialist for more comprehensive care. But once you’ve scheduled your first appointment, an important question arises: How often should you visit a pain specialist?

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management physician, the answer depends on several factors, including your diagnosis, treatment plan, and how your body responds to interventions.

“Pain isn’t one-dimensional,” says Dr. Sudberg. “That’s why the frequency of visits needs to be personalized. We don’t just treat pain—we manage a patient’s progress over time.”

In this post, we’ll explore what pain management specialists do, the types of conditions they treat, and how often patients typically need to follow up for optimal results.

What Does a Pain Specialist Do?

Before diving into visit frequency, it’s important to understand what pain specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg actually do.

A pain management specialist is a medical doctor trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat all types of pain—acute, chronic, and complex. These experts often work with patients suffering from:

• Back and neck pain
  
• Arthritis
  
• Neuropathy
  
• Sciatica
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Headaches and migraines
  
• Sports or work-related injuries
  
• Post-surgical pain
  

Dr. Sudberg takes a multidisciplinary approach, which may include:

• Diagnostic imaging
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Steroid injections or nerve blocks
  
• Medication management
  
• Regenerative therapies (e.g., PRP or stem cell therapy)
  
• Behavioral therapy and lifestyle counseling
  

“Pain management isn’t just about prescriptions or procedures,” explains Dr. Sudberg. “It’s about creating a comprehensive plan tailored to each individual’s needs and progress.”

Initial Evaluation: The First Step

Your journey with a pain specialist usually starts with a comprehensive evaluation, which includes:

• Reviewing medical history
  
• Physical examination
  
• Reviewing prior treatments
  
• Imaging or diagnostic tests (if necessary)
  

This first appointment is essential for establishing a baseline and understanding the source and nature of your pain.

Dr. Sudberg notes that many patients wait too long before seeing a pain specialist. “By the time they come in, their pain is not only physical—it’s emotional. Early referral can make a big difference in treatment success.”

So, How Often Should You Visit?

The answer depends on several key factors:

1. Type and Severity of Pain

Patients with acute pain—such as after a recent injury or surgery—may only need a few visits over several weeks. On the other hand, those with chronic pain or degenerative conditions may need regular visits for months or even years.

“We tailor the frequency to the patient’s condition and how they respond to each stage of treatment,” Dr. Sudberg says.

2. Stage of Treatment

In the early stages, visits may be weekly or biweekly to:

• Monitor response to treatments
  
• Adjust medications
  
• Perform injections or procedures
  
• Begin physical therapy referrals
  

As you progress, visits may shift to monthly or quarterly intervals for ongoing management or maintenance.

3. Type of Treatments Involved

Your treatment plan will also dictate visit frequency. For example:

• Physical therapy coordination might require more frequent check-ins.
  
• Injection-based therapy, like epidurals or joint injections, might involve a specific schedule (e.g., every 2–3 months).
  
• Medication management, especially for controlled substances, may require monthly evaluations to comply with safety and legal guidelines.
  

Dr. Sudberg emphasizes, “There is no universal timeline. Pain management is not a linear path—it evolves with the patient.”

4. Patient Goals and Progress

For patients looking to return to high-functioning lifestyles, more frequent visits may be recommended early on. As pain decreases and mobility improves, appointments can become less frequent.

Sudberg notes that some patients enter maintenance phases, where they visit the clinic every three to six months, similar to how a patient might manage other chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

What Happens During a Follow-Up Appointment?

Contrary to what some believe, follow-up visits are not just routine check-ins. They are opportunities to:

• Track progress and setbacks
  
• Review any side effects or changes in pain patterns
  
• Modify medications or dosages
  
• Discuss the next stage of interventional treatment
  
• Address new symptoms or complications
  
• Reinforce therapeutic exercises and lifestyle habits
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg believes in open, ongoing communication with his patients. “A follow-up isn’t just about measuring pain—it’s about listening, learning, and adjusting.”

Signs You May Need to See Your Pain Specialist More Often

Even if you’ve reached a maintenance phase, certain changes may indicate the need for more frequent visits:

• New or worsening pain
  
• Side effects from medication
  
• Decreased mobility or function
  
• Emotional distress related to pain
  
• Ineffectiveness of current treatment
  

“If your pain begins interfering with your quality of life again, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Pain is your body’s signal that something needs attention.”

The Importance of Personalized Pain Management

One of the most valuable aspects of working with a physician like Dr. Jordan Sudberg is the personalized nature of care. Rather than relying on a rigid schedule, he evaluates visit frequency based on:

• Your condition’s complexity
  
• Your body’s response to therapy
  
• Your personal goals for recovery and activity
  

“No two patients are alike,” Sudberg says. “Some bounce back quickly, others need more time—and that’s okay. The key is staying engaged and proactive.”

Final Thoughts: Consistency and Communication Are Key

Pain management is not a “one-and-done” solution. It’s a process of ongoing evaluation and care—and regular visits to a pain specialist are crucial for staying on track. Whether your visits are weekly, monthly, or just a few times a year, each appointment plays an important role in maintaining comfort, function, and quality of life.

With expert guidance from specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, patients gain access not only to advanced medical interventions but also to a support system designed to help them heal—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

As Dr. Sudberg concludes, “Pain doesn’t define who you are—but getting the right help, at the right time, can absolutely define how you live.”