“Are You Shouldering Too Much? The Emotional Burden Behind Neck Pain.”
- caulocare
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
Acupuncture for Emotional Tension — Healing the Neck, Calming the Spirit
By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo at Caulo Care Community Acupuncture, Forest Hills, New York
Neck Pain / Stiff Neck
Understanding it from Western Medicine + TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) + Self-care
Neck pain (sometimes described as a “stiff neck” or back of neck ache) is a very common complaint. This article explains how both Western (biomedical) perspectives and TCM approaches view it, what causes it, how to manage it, and what patients can do in day-to-day life to help.
What is it?
From a Western medical perspective, “neck pain” (cervicalgia) refers to pain in the cervical spine (the neck). It may include stiffness, reduced range of motion, pain radiating into the shoulders or arms, muscle spasms, or tension. From the TCM perspective, neck pain or stiffness is seen as a manifestation of blocked qi (vital energy) and blood in meridians, or invasion of external pathogenic factors (wind, cold, damp) into the neck and shoulder region; or deeper internal organ‐system deficiencies (e.g., Liver, Kidney, Spleen) that allow stagnation to occur.
What causes it?
Western medicine causes
Some of the more common causes include:
Poor posture (for example, forward head posture, slumping at a desk, looking down at a phone).
Muscular strain (overuse of neck muscles, awkward positions, sudden movement).
Degenerative cervical spine conditions (such as osteoarthritis, cervical disc degeneration, and spinal stenosis).
Nerve root irritation/radiculopathy (when a cervical disc or bone spur compresses a nerve).
Stress and tension – mental/emotional stress can lead to muscle tightness around the neck and shoulders. (Though this is more indirect in the Western model.)
Less common but important – trauma (whiplash), infection, tumour, systemic disease.
TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) causes
In TCM terms, neck pain may be attributed to one or more of the following patterns:
Qi & Blood stagnation in the meridians around the neck/shoulder. When qi or blood cannot flow, pain and tightness occur.
External invasion of Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp, which settles into the neck area and obstructs the meridians.
Deficiency of functional organs (e.g., Liver, Kidney, or Spleen) leading to weak circulation of qi and blood, and thus predisposition to pain/degeneration.
Emotional causes – In TCM, the neck and shoulders are often linked to constrained emotions (e.g., frustration, anger, worry), and when emotional energy is unexpressed, qi stagnates and shows up as musculoskeletal pain.
How is it viewed/treated: Western vs TCM
Western medicine approach
The first step is a careful history and physical examination. Imaging (X-ray, MRI) or nerve conduction studies may be used based on severity or suspicion of serious pathology.
Treatment typically begins conservatively: rest, avoiding aggravating activities, use of heat or cold, and over-the-counter pain relievers / NSAIDs.
Physical therapy: posture correction, neck and shoulder muscle strengthening, stretching.
Additional interventions if needed: muscle relaxants, injections (e.g., into facet joints or epidural), immobilisation (soft collar) in certain cases.
Surgery is reserved for serious structural issues (e.g., spinal cord compression, severe nerve root compression) when conservative care fails.
Most mild-to-moderate neck pain resolves in 2-3 weeks with self-care.
TCM approach
Diagnosis in TCM is based on patterns (syndromes) rather than just anatomical lesions. The practitioner will look at meridian channels, tongue, pulse, and overall constitutional signs.
Acupuncture is a mainstay: points may be local (on the neck/shoulder) and distal (e.g., on the hand, foot) to regulate qi and blood and relieve stagnation.
Manual therapies: e.g., Tuina (Chinese massage/manipulation) combined with exercises.
Herbal medicine: oral or topical herbs to invigorate blood, warm the channels, dispel wind/cold/damp, and relieve pain.
Lifestyle/diet/exercise oriented for energy, strengthening underlying organs, and preventing recurrence.
Evidence: There is moderate evidence that acupuncture improves function and pain in chronic neck pain, though methodological limitations remain.
Practical Self-Care & Home Advice
Whether you are under care at your clinic or just seeking to help yourself, these are practical steps to support recovery and prevent recurrence:
Ergonomics & posture
Ensure your computer screen is at eye level, and avoid hunching the head forward.
Use a supportive pillow (not too many pillows or too soft) so the neck is not overly flexed or extended during sleep.
Take breaks if you sit for long hours (especially for office work).
Avoid carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, and avoid awkward neck positions.
Movement and gentle stretching
Gentle neck rotations, side-bends, and chin-tucks to maintain mobility.
Strengthen the upper back and shoulder muscles (scapular stabilisers) so that the neck does not compensate.
Moving regularly is better than staying in one fixed posture for too long.
Heat / Cold / Relaxation
Use warm compresses or a hot shower to help relax tense neck muscles.
In acute flare-ups, a cold pack may reduce inflammation.
Stress reduction techniques: tension in the neck often relates to stress; consider mindfulness, breathing, and massage.
Avoiding aggravating activities
Avoid sudden twisting of the neck, heavy lifting with poor neck/shoulder support, and tilting the head far forward for long periods (e.g., looking down at a phone).
Avoid sleeping on the stomach with the head turned sideways (this often strains the neck).
When to seek professional help
If you have neck pain that radiates into the arms, causes numbness or tingling, or weakness in the arms/hands.
If you have severe trauma, signs of infection (fever, chills), or if the neck pain persists beyond a few weeks despite self-care.
For guidance with acupuncture/TCM, choose a licensed, qualified practitioner (such as Caulo Care Community Acupuncture in Forest Hills).
Integrating Western + TCM Care
As Dr Phumlarp Caulo at the Caulo Care Acupuncture, your blog can highlight how combining both perspectives provides a holistic advantage:
From the Western side, you might identify specific structural/mechanical issues (posture, disc degeneration, nerve irritation), and advise accordingly (e.g., PT, ergonomic correction, imaging if needed).
From the TCM side, you assess energy/meridian imbalances, apply acupuncture, manual therapies (e.g., Tuina), herbal support, and lifestyle adjustments.
Your clinic setting in Forest Hills, New York, offers the patient both relief of symptoms and support for the underlying energetic/constitutional pattern (so that the pain does not keep coming back).
Encourage patients to view pain as a message: mechanical strain + energetic stagnation + lifestyle stress. By addressing all three, you can improve outcomes and reduce recurrence.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, NY
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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
🔖 By appointment only
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549
References
Cleveland Clinic. “Neck Pain: 6 Common Causes and Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic. “Neck pain – Diagnosis & treatment.” Mayo Clinic
“Traditional Chinese Medicine for Neck Pain and Low Back Pain.” PMC article. PMC
Fang J., Shi H., Wang W. et al. “Durable effect of acupuncture for chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Current Pain & Headache Reports, 2024. Colorado Chinese Medicine University®
Healthdirect (Australia). “Neck pain – treatments, causes and related symptoms.” Healthdirect
Acupuncture for neck pain: Medical News Today. “Acupuncture may improve neck pain …” Medical News Today
Western Orthopaedics blog “Six Effective Treatments for Chronic Neck Pain.” Western Orthopaedics