Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body—it wages a silent, relentless war on the mind. For those living with long-term pain, the struggle is far more than physical. It infiltrates emotional well-being, distorts thought patterns, and can erode a person’s sense of identity and hope. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, has seen firsthand how unaddressed pain can cause deep psychological suffering.
In his work with patients across a wide spectrum of conditions—spinal injuries, nerve damage, arthritis, and post-surgical pain—Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that treating the physical symptoms without acknowledging the mental effects is an incomplete approach. “Pain is not just a symptom. It’s an experience—one that reshapes the mind as much as it does the body,” he says.
The Psychological Weight of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, typically defined as pain lasting longer than three to six months, becomes more than just a lingering ache. Over time, it can fundamentally change how people think, feel, and relate to the world.
According to Dr. Sudberg, there are several common psychological effects seen in long-term pain sufferers:
1. Depression and Hopelessness
One of the most prevalent effects is clinical depression. The inability to engage in daily activities, exercise, or maintain employment can lead to a deep sense of loss. “It’s not just the pain—it’s everything the pain takes away,” says Dr. Sudberg. Many patients mourn the life they had before pain took over, and this grief can evolve into persistent sadness and hopelessness.
2. Anxiety and Hypervigilance
Chronic pain often brings anticipatory anxiety—the constant worry about when the next flare-up will occur or how bad it will be. Patients can become hyper-aware of bodily sensations, often interpreting any discomfort as a sign that their condition is worsening. This constant mental state of alertness can be exhausting.
3. Cognitive Dysfunction (aka “Pain Brain”)
Another lesser-known but common effect is difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental fatigue—often called “brain fog” or “pain brain.” As Dr. Sudberg explains, “The brain is so focused on managing pain signals that cognitive function takes a hit. It’s not in your head—it’s a neurochemical reality.”
4. Social Withdrawal and Isolation
Long-term pain can make it difficult to engage socially. Missed events, the inability to travel, or even the fear of being misunderstood can cause people to pull away from friends and family. Over time, this isolation can reinforce feelings of loneliness and despair.
Pain and Identity: When Illness Defines You
Dr. Sudberg often speaks about the identity shift that occurs in those who’ve been in pain for years. “When you’re in pain long enough, you stop being a person who has pain and start being a person who is in pain,” he explains.
This shift can damage self-esteem, especially in those who once prided themselves on being active, independent, or strong. Rebuilding a sense of identity that goes beyond pain is a critical part of the healing process.
Treating Pain with the Mind in Mind
A key part of Dr. Sudberg’s approach to treatment involves interdisciplinary care, where physical, emotional, and psychological health are addressed together. “We have to stop thinking of pain as purely physical,” he says. “Pain management must include mental health support.”
Some strategies he incorporates into his practice include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Proven to help patients reframe negative thoughts related to pain.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Teaching patients to stay grounded in the present moment, rather than focusing on fear or regret.
- Support Groups: Helping people realize they’re not alone and that others are going through similar struggles.
- Low-impact Exercise: Activities like yoga or swimming that build confidence and reduce pain without overstressing the body.
Dr. Sudberg also advocates for improved patient education: “The more people understand the connection between pain and mental health, the more likely they are to seek comprehensive treatment.”
Breaking the Silence
One of the biggest barriers to addressing the mental effects of chronic pain is stigma. Many patients are told to “tough it out” or fear being dismissed as exaggerating their symptoms. Dr. Jordan Sudberg encourages open conversations between doctors and patients. “We need to normalize the emotional side of chronic pain. It’s not weakness—it’s reality.”
Final Thoughts
Long-term pain isn’t just a condition—it’s a lived experience that reshapes every aspect of a person’s life, especially their mental health. Thanks to specialists like Jordan Sudberg, the medical community is beginning to recognize that true pain relief goes beyond the physical. By addressing both the body and the mind, patients can find not only healing—but hope.