Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet how we manage it in America remains deeply contentious. Headlines often warn of an opioid epidemic fueled by overprescription, but many patients with chronic or severe pain report feeling dismissed or undertreated. So which is it? Is America overmedicating pain—or undermedicating it?
Pain management specialist Dr. Jordan Sudberg has worked with thousands of patients navigating this complex landscape. He understands the delicate balance clinicians must strike between alleviating suffering and minimizing risks. In this post, Dr. Sudberg explores both sides of the debate, why the answer isn’t black and white, and how a patient-centered approach offers the best path forward.
The Historical Context: Opioid Overprescribing and Its Fallout
The story begins in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when opioids were widely promoted as safe and effective for managing chronic pain. Pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed these drugs, and many healthcare providers, seeking to relieve suffering, began prescribing them liberally.
Unfortunately, this well-intended approach contributed to a public health crisis:
- Overprescribing led to widespread opioid misuse and addiction
- Many patients developed dependence or overdosed
- Families and communities were devastated by rising rates of opioid-related deaths
“The opioid epidemic exposed a critical failure in pain management,” reflects Dr. Jordan Sudberg. “We realized that relying heavily on medications, especially opioids, wasn’t sustainable or safe.”
As a result, guidelines became stricter, urging providers to reduce opioid prescriptions and explore alternative therapies.
The Current Reality: Is Pain Now Undermedicated?
While the crackdown on opioid prescribing was necessary, an unintended consequence emerged: many patients with legitimate pain needs found themselves undertreated.
- Some patients struggled to get any prescription pain relief despite severe conditions.
- Others turned to illegal substances when medical options were limited.
- Reports of diminished quality of life and functional decline among chronic pain sufferers increased.
“There’s a real concern that in trying to solve one problem, we created another,” warns Dr. Sudberg. “Patients still in significant pain deserve compassionate, effective treatment.”
For many Americans, the pendulum swung too far toward undermedication—leaving pain inadequately controlled.
Finding the Middle Ground: The Complex Truth
Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that the question of overmedication vs. undermedication isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about finding balance.
- Overmedicating risks: addiction, side effects, tolerance, and overdose.
- Undermedicating risks: unrelieved pain, disability, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life.
“Pain management requires individualized care,” Dr. Sudberg says. “What works for one patient may be inappropriate for another.”
The goal is safe, effective, and holistic pain control—not zero opioids or unlimited prescriptions.
Multimodal Pain Management: The Gold Standard
One key advancement in addressing this balance is the rise of multimodal pain management. This approach combines various treatments tailored to the patient’s needs:
- Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and when appropriate, carefully monitored opioids.
- Physical therapies: exercise, manual therapy, and rehabilitation to improve function.
- Psychological support: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to address pain’s emotional components.
- Interventional procedures: nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or spinal cord stimulators.
- Lifestyle adjustments: nutrition, sleep hygiene, and stress management.
“Multimodal care reduces reliance on any single treatment and addresses pain’s many dimensions,” explains Dr. Sudberg.
Why Patient-Centered Communication Matters
A major issue in the debate over medication is the breakdown of communication between providers and patients.
“Too often, patients feel unheard or stigmatized when discussing pain,” notes Dr. Sudberg. “Trust and transparency are essential.”
Patients should feel comfortable sharing their experiences, concerns, and goals. Providers must listen actively, explain risks and benefits clearly, and involve patients in decision-making.
This collaborative approach helps tailor treatment plans that balance safety with effective pain relief.
The Role of Pain Specialists Like Dr. Jordan Sudberg
Specialists trained in pain management are uniquely positioned to navigate these challenges:
- They perform comprehensive assessments to identify pain causes and contributors.
- They customize multimodal treatment plans with ongoing monitoring.
- They balance medication use with other therapies.
- They help patients manage expectations and cope with chronic conditions.
“Specialists can help patients who’ve been caught in the extremes of over- or undermedication,” says Dr. Sudberg. “Our focus is on improving quality of life safely and sustainably.”
Looking Ahead: Innovations and Hope
The future of pain management holds promise with new developments:
- Non-opioid pharmaceuticals targeting specific pain pathways.
- Improved delivery methods reducing side effects.
- Telemedicine expanding access to multidisciplinary care.
- Greater emphasis on mental health integration.
“We’re moving toward more precise, personalized pain management,” Dr. Sudberg predicts. “It’s an exciting time for patients and providers alike.”
Final Thoughts: The Nuanced Reality of Pain Treatment in America
Is America overmedicating or undermedicating pain? The answer is complex.
- The opioid crisis taught us the dangers of overprescription.
- The pendulum swung too far, leaving many in needless suffering.
- A balanced, patient-centered, multimodal approach is the best path forward.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg sums it up:
“Effective pain management isn’t about extremes—it’s about compassion, collaboration, and customization. Every patient deserves relief that’s both safe and meaningful.”
If you’re struggling with pain or feel frustrated by your current treatment, consider consulting a pain specialist like Dr. Sudberg who can help find the right balance for you.
