Low Back Pain: The Most Common Work Comp Injuries Acupuncture Can Help
- caulocare
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Does Work Stress Really Cause Back Pain?
By Dr. Caulo Phumlarp | Caulo Care Community Acupuncture, Forest Hills, NY
We live in a world that demands constant productivity. Whether you’re working long hours at a desk or standing on your feet all day, stress has become a silent weight on both mind and body. Many patients come to Caulo Care complaining of chronic back pain, neck tension, or even wrist numbness, wondering, “Is this really from stress?”The answer is: yes, and both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explain why.
1. The Western View: How Stress Tightens the Body
From a biomedical perspective, stress activates the sympathetic nervous system — the body’s “fight or flight” response. When this state becomes chronic:
Muscle tension increases, especially around the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Blood flow decreases to muscles and joints, leading to stiffness and pain.
Inflammatory hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline rise, delaying tissue repair.Over time, small muscle spasms or repetitive movements — like typing or bending — can progress into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Neck Pain, or Low Back Strain, the top causes of workers’ compensation claims in New York.
2. The TCM View: Qi Stagnation and the Liver Channel
Traditional Chinese Medicine describes stress as Liver Qi stagnation — a blockage in the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. When Qi becomes stuck, muscles tighten, circulation slows, and “heat” or “dampness” can accumulate in the lower back and shoulders. Common signs include:
Tight neck and upper back
Headache, irritability, or insomnia
Pain that gets worse with emotional tension or fatigue
Irregular digestion and shallow breathing
The Liver meridian runs through the ribs, spine, and back — so when emotional stress disrupts this pathway, physical pain often follows.
3. How Acupuncture Restores Balance
At Caulo Care Community Acupuncture, our approach combines nerve physiology with Qi regulation.Acupuncture points such as GB20, BL23, and LI4 are selected to:
Calm the nervous system and reduce stress hormones
Release muscle spasms and restore postural balance
Improve microcirculation and oxygen delivery to tissues
Activate endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers
In many Work Comp and office-related cases, acupuncture reduces inflammation, restores mobility, and supports a faster return to normal function — without drugs or invasive procedures.
4. Food and Lifestyle: Healing from the Inside Out
Your daily habits play a major role in both stress and back pain. Here are a few lifestyle tips from both Western and Eastern perspectives:
Diet:
Choose anti-inflammatory foods: leafy greens, turmeric, berries, and omega-3 fats.
Avoid excess coffee, sugar, and greasy foods that increase “internal heat” in TCM terms.
Stay hydrated — dehydration tightens fascia and muscles.
Movement:
Practice gentle stretching, Tai Chi, or Qigong to move Qi and blood.
Take micro-breaks every hour if working at a desk.
Support your lumbar curve with a proper ergonomic setup.
Mindset & Breathing:
Deep breathing reduces sympathetic overactivity and balances the Liver Qi.
Mindful rest and early bedtime (before 11 p.m.) nourish the Liver and Kidney energies in TCM.
5. Integrative Healing at Caulo Care
Whether your pain is from posture, overuse, or pressure from deadlines, acupuncture can help both your body and nervous system reset. At Caulo Care Acupuncture, we believe pain is not just mechanical — it’s emotional, energetic, and personal. Our mission is to help you move freely, sleep better, and live without chronic tension through holistic, compassionate care in the heart of Forest Hills, New York.
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
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