Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains Organ Pain: Understanding the Signals Your Body Sends

Pain is a universal human experience, but not all pain is created equal. Some pain is sharp and localized—like a sprained ankle—while other types feel dull, aching, or deep within the body. This internal, harder-to-pinpoint pain is often referred to as organ pain.

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, understanding organ pain is critical for both proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

“Organ pain can be elusive and difficult to interpret, but it’s your body’s way of sounding an internal alarm,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Learning how to recognize and respond to these signals can literally save lives.”

In this article, Dr. Jordan Sudberg walks us through what organ pain is, how it differs from other types of pain, common causes, and what patients should know about diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Organ Pain?

Organ pain—also known as visceral pain—originates from the internal organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, and reproductive organs. It differs significantly from somatic pain, which arises from the skin, muscles, bones, and joints.

Characteristics of Organ (Visceral) Pain:

• Often dull, cramping, or aching
  
• May be poorly localized—meaning it’s hard to tell exactly where it’s coming from
  
• Frequently referred, meaning pain may be felt in areas far from the affected organ
  
• Can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, sweating, or dizziness
  

Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that because of its vague presentation, organ pain can often be misunderstood—or dismissed altogether.

“Unlike a pulled muscle or a broken bone, organ pain doesn’t always point clearly to the source. That’s why a comprehensive evaluation is so important.”

Why Organ Pain Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

Internal organs lack the precise nerve endings found in skin and muscles. Instead, they rely on autonomic nerves, which are less capable of transmitting detailed pain signals. As a result, the brain may interpret the source of the pain incorrectly.

For example:

• Heart pain (angina) is often felt in the chest but can radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back.
  
• Kidney pain may feel like lower back discomfort.
  
• Gallbladder issues might produce pain in the right shoulder blade area.
  
• Stomach ulcers may cause burning in the mid-upper abdomen but can feel like hunger or indigestion.
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains:

“We call this referred pain, and it’s one of the most challenging aspects of diagnosing organ-related issues. What feels like a pulled back muscle could actually be a kidney infection.”

Common Causes of Organ Pain

Let’s explore some of the most frequent sources of organ pain and how they present in the body.

1. Heart

• Conditions: Angina, heart attack, pericarditis
  
• Symptoms: Chest pressure, arm or jaw pain, shortness of breath
  
• Urgency: Medical emergency
  

2. Lungs

• Conditions: Pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism
  
• Symptoms: Sharp pain with breathing, cough, shortness of breath
  

3. Stomach and Intestines

• Conditions: Gastritis, ulcers, appendicitis, IBS, Crohn’s disease
  
• Symptoms: Cramping, bloating, burning pain, diarrhea or constipation
  

4. Liver and Gallbladder

• Conditions: Hepatitis, gallstones, bile duct obstruction
  
• Symptoms: Upper right abdominal pain, nausea, pain after fatty meals
  

5. Kidneys

• Conditions: Kidney stones, infections, hydronephrosis
  
• Symptoms: Sharp or dull lower back pain, pain during urination, fever
  

6. Bladder

• Conditions: UTIs, bladder infections, interstitial cystitis
  
• Symptoms: Pelvic pain, urgency to urinate, burning sensation
  

7. Reproductive Organs

• Conditions: Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, testicular torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease
  
• Symptoms: Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, sometimes cyclical
  

“Organ pain isn’t just discomfort—it’s often a warning sign that something serious is happening internally,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Getting to the root of it quickly can be life-saving.”

When to Seek Medical Attention

Because organ pain can signal serious conditions, Dr. Jordan Sudberg advises erring on the side of caution.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Sudden or severe abdominal, chest, or pelvic pain
  
• Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or dizziness
  
• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
  
• Blood in stool or urine
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Pain that worsens with no clear cause
  

“Never ignore pain that feels different, especially if it’s deep, persistent, or comes with other symptoms. That’s your body telling you something is wrong,” Dr. Sudberg warns.

Diagnosis: How Specialists Identify the Cause of Organ Pain

Diagnosing organ pain typically requires a multifaceted approach, combining patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging.

Tools and tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests
  
• Ultrasound or CT scans
  
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy
  
• MRI
  
• EKG (for heart-related concerns)
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg highlights the importance of listening to the patient first.

“One of the most powerful diagnostic tools is simply the patient’s story—how the pain started, what it feels like, what makes it better or worse. That information can point us in the right direction before a single test is run.”

Treatment Options for Organ Pain

The treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Some general approaches include:

Medications

• Antibiotics for infections
  
• Antacids or PPIs for stomach issues
  
• Anti-inflammatory drugs for organ inflammation
  
• Pain relievers, used cautiously
  

 Interventional Pain Management

In some cases, Dr. Sudberg may use procedures such as nerve blocks or injections to manage chronic organ pain that does not respond to conventional treatment.

“Interventional techniques can be extremely helpful, especially when chronic organ pain starts affecting quality of life,” says Dr. Sudberg.

 Surgery

For conditions like appendicitis, gallstones, or tumors, surgery may be required.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Dietary changes, hydration, and stress reduction often play a big role—especially for gastrointestinal or urinary issues.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s Holistic Approach to Organ Pain

As a pain management specialist, Dr. Jordan Sudberg doesn’t just treat symptoms—he focuses on identifying root causes, minimizing medication dependence, and empowering patients with knowledge.

His approach includes:

• A detailed review of symptoms and lifestyle factors
  
• Collaboration with gastroenterologists, cardiologists, urologists, and other specialists
  
• Personalized treatment plans that integrate both conventional and alternative methods
  

“Organ pain can be scary, but with the right approach, it can also be manageable and treatable,” Dr. Sudberg assures.

Final Thoughts: Listening to the Pain Within

Organ pain isn’t something to ignore or self-diagnose with a quick online search. It requires attention, evaluation, and care from professionals like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, who understand the complex systems of the human body.

“Pain is your body’s way of asking for help. When it comes from your organs, the message might be subtle—but it’s always important,” Dr. Sudberg says.

If you’re experiencing persistent or unusual pain that seems to come from deep within, don’t brush it off. Listen to your body—and seek expert advice. It could make all the difference.