Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explores the Overlooked Link: Anxiety Among Chronic Pain Patients

Chronic pain is more than just a physical sensation — it’s a complex condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. One of the most common yet often overlooked challenges faced by individuals with chronic pain is anxiety. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a respected pain management specialist, anxiety and chronic pain are deeply intertwined in a way that can complicate treatment and impact overall well-being.

In this post, we’ll explore the connection between chronic pain and anxiety, how they influence each other, and what patients and healthcare providers can do to break the cycle.

The Complex Relationship Between Chronic Pain and Anxiety

Chronic pain and anxiety often coexist. Research shows that people living with persistent pain are significantly more likely to experience anxiety disorders compared to the general population. But why is this the case?

Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains: “Pain is inherently stressful. When pain lasts for months or years, the constant discomfort and uncertainty can lead to feelings of fear, helplessness, and worry—key symptoms of anxiety.”

At the same time, anxiety can amplify pain perception. The brain’s processing of pain signals is affected by emotional states, meaning anxious patients often feel their pain more intensely or more frequently. This creates a feedback loop where pain increases anxiety, and anxiety heightens pain.

How Anxiety Impacts Chronic Pain Management

Anxiety doesn’t just add emotional burden; it also complicates the clinical management of chronic pain. Dr. Sudberg notes several challenges:

• Reduced Pain Tolerance: Anxiety lowers the threshold for pain, meaning patients may perceive mild discomfort as severe.
  
• Avoidance Behaviors: Fear of pain flare-ups may cause patients to avoid physical activity or therapy, worsening their condition.
  
• Sleep Disturbances: Anxiety often disrupts sleep, which is critical for pain recovery and emotional regulation.
  
• Medication Challenges: Anxiety can interfere with adherence to pain management plans or increase reliance on opioids.
  

“Addressing anxiety is essential to successful pain treatment,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Ignoring it can prolong suffering and undermine even the best medical interventions.”

Identifying Anxiety in Chronic Pain Patients

Recognizing anxiety symptoms in people with chronic pain can be tricky because physical discomfort and emotional distress often overlap. Signs to watch for include:

• Excessive worry or rumination about pain
  
• Restlessness or difficulty concentrating
  
• Irritability or mood swings
  
• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or gastrointestinal upset
  
• Avoidance of social interactions or daily activities
  

Healthcare providers, including pain specialists like Dr. Sudberg, recommend routine screening for anxiety in chronic pain patients to tailor treatment plans effectively.

Integrating Anxiety Management into Pain Care

The good news is that treating anxiety alongside chronic pain improves outcomes. Dr. Jordan Sudberg advocates for an integrated approach combining medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions.

Some effective strategies include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety and pain.
  
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce stress and lower pain sensitivity.
  
• Physical Activity: Gentle, regular exercise can boost mood and reduce pain intensity.
  
• Medications: In some cases, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may be prescribed to address symptoms.
  
• Patient Education: Teaching patients about the pain-anxiety connection empowers them to engage actively in self-care.
  

Dr. Sudberg stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, psychologists, and physical therapists—to address both physical and emotional components of chronic pain.

Supporting Patients Beyond the Clinic

Chronic pain and anxiety affect more than just physical health—they impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Dr. Jordan Sudberg encourages caregivers, family members, and friends to offer support by:

• Listening without judgment
  
• Encouraging treatment adherence
  
• Promoting healthy habits and social engagement
  
• Recognizing the emotional toll pain takes and validating those feelings
  

Final Thoughts: Breaking the Pain-Anxiety Cycle

For many chronic pain patients, anxiety is a hidden but powerful force shaping their experience. As Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains, addressing this link is vital to improving both emotional well-being and physical relief.

If you or a loved one struggles with chronic pain and anxiety, remember that help is available—and comprehensive care that treats mind and body offers the best path forward.