The Hidden Link Between Back Pain, Anxiety, and Emotional Stress

About this episode

Laurie Hang explores the deep connection between chronic back pain and anxiety, particularly in high-functioning men, and discusses practices for restoring alignment between body and mind.

Many high-functioning men live with chronic back pain and anxiety without realizing the two are deeply connected. In this episode, Laurie explores why so many of her private clients—particularly men—struggle with persistent pain, tension, and anxiety despite being successful, disciplined, and driven. Drawing from yoga therapy, lived experience, and years of client work, she unpacks the emotional roots of physical pain and shares the practices that help restore alignment between the body, mind, and nervous system. This conversation is not about “fixing” the body—it’s about listening to it. In this episode, Laurie covers: Why back pain and anxiety are often two expressions of the same imbalance How posture reflects emotional bracing and long-held survival patterns The connection between anxiety, the nervous system, and the spine Why men are socially conditioned to suppress emotion—and how it shows up physically A powerful reframe on aging, pain, and what we normalize Two real client stories, including healing sciatica and reclaiming movement as a parent This episode is especially for those who feel strong on the outside but exhausted on the inside—and for anyone ready to stop…

People in this episode

Host: Laurie Hang

Topics covered

• back pain
• anxiety
• emotional stress
• nervous system
• yoga therapy
• masculinity
• self-care

Keywords

• chronic pain
• emotional roots
• posture
• nervous system regulation
• masculine conditioning
• healing
• self-awareness

More episodes of Personal Leadership

• Roots, Retreats & a Dream Chateau in France · March 27, 2026 · 16 min
• How To Reset Your Life Direction in One Day · March 20, 2026 · 13 min
• Why Most Women Never Feel Abundant · March 13, 2026 · 18 min
• Why I created the Spring into Abundance Day Retreat Experience in Los Angeles · March 4, 2026 · 19 min
• How I Healed Eldest Daughter Syndrome (and the 3 Daily Practices That Changed Everything) · February 20, 2026 · 16 min
• Nervous System Health for Sensitive Leaders · February 13, 2026 · 18 min