Often children are labelled as naughty, disruptive, dreamy, or slow learners, when in reality these behaviours may be linked to underlying body stress.
Signs such as persistent crying in babies, “growing pains” in toddlers, attention difficulties, restless behaviour, or even bed-wetting can often indicate that the body is holding tension.
A common indication of body stress in a baby’s neck is constant crying without an obvious cause. When stress is present in the lower back, a baby may become unsettled or cry when the hips are lifted during nappy changes, and may also experience constipation.
Stress in the diaphragm area can affect digestion, contributing to colic and reflux. Babies who are unsettled, cry frequently, have disrupted sleep, cramping, or wind may be responding to stored tension. Toddlers who refuse to walk, or young children who complain of sore legs—often described as “growing pains”—may have body stress in the lower back and hip regions.
Tension in the lower back, hips, and pelvis can affect the leg muscles, sometimes causing the feet to turn inward. If the nerve supply to the bladder is affected, bed-wetting may occur.
At school, a child with tension in the neck may struggle with concentration and become disruptive. If there is pressure in the lower back, the child may be restless and find it difficult to sit still. During adolescence, ongoing tension can contribute to postural changes, including spinal curvature or scoliosis, which may be exacerbated by heavy school bags, high-impact activities, or poor posture.
Many parents choose to bring their babies and children for regular check-ups to help ensure that the body remains free of stress and tension, supporting healthy growth and development
Causes of body stress in babies & children
Babies may carry body stress from birth, particularly in the neck and lower spine. While this may be more pronounced in difficult or traumatic births, it is often present even after seemingly uncomplicated deliveries.
As children grow, body stress can accumulate through everyday activities. Frequent falls, sudden movements, and attempts to lift heavy objects may contribute in younger children. Older children may develop stress through poor sitting posture, prolonged reading while hunched forward, or slouching when watching television—placing strain on the lumbar spine.
As they approach puberty, children often become more self-conscious and may adopt defensive postures, such as rounded shoulders, a contracted chest, and a forward head position. These patterns can lead to the build-up of tension within the body.
Muscles tighten and stress becomes locked into the system. Prevention is key. Regular assessment for body stress, even in the absence of obvious symptoms, allows tension to be released before it accumulates and begins to affect the nervous system.
Young children are not always able to clearly express what they are experiencing, but parents may notice changes such as mood shifts, irritability, restlessness, complaints of unusual sensations, or sore legs.
Effects of body stress in babies & children
A common sign of body stress in a baby’s neck is persistent crying without an apparent cause.
When stress is present in the lower back, a baby may cry when the hips are lifted during nappy changes. This may also impact the nervous system and contribute to constipation.
Body stress in the diaphragm region may result in colic and digestive discomfort.
Toddlers who refuse to walk, prefer to be carried, or complain of sore legs—often referred to as “growing pains”—may have stress in the lower back. This can affect the leg muscles and contribute to the feet turning inward.
If the nerve supply to the bladder is affected, bed-wetting may occur.
At school, a child with tension in the neck may struggle to concentrate and may become disruptive. If stress is present in the lower back, the child may be restless and find it difficult to remain seated for extended periods.