Growing pains are a common complaint amongst children, especially highly active children, often causing discomfort in the legs. This occurs particularly at night when the pain can be severe enough to waken the child. They typically occur in children between the ages of 3 and 12. Growing pains often cause deep cramping or throbbing aches, mostly affecting the inner thighs, shins and calves. They are regularly dismissed as a normal part of childhood, however, there can be different underlying factors which may contribute to this discomfort. The two most common factors being either an imbalance in the tension of the spine and or various nutritional deficiencies. Parents often feel they have no alternative other than to use painkillers to manage growing pains, but most parents desire a more permanent holistic solution.
Can chiropractic care relieve growing pains?
Chiropractic care offers a natural approach to managing growing pains, addressing both the structural and nutritional factors which can contribute to this painful condition.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Growing Pains?
Chiropractic treatment for growing pains is a common, highly effective approach that uses gentle techniques and adjustments to resolve tension and imbalances. The human body grows at different rates, and rapid growth spurts can create imbalances in the musculoskeletal system. Poor posture, spinal misalignment, and improper movement patterns can put extra strain on the muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort. Imbalances in the spine, pelvis, or lower limbs can cause compensations in movement, increasing stress on the legs. This is where Chiropractic comes in. We look at all the areas of imbalance that may be causing compensation. With some gentle adjustments we can restore the balance and get all the joints moving with ease. For most kids, the common areas of tension causing growing pains are in the upper neck, lower back/pelvis and hips.
Nutritional Factors
Certain vitamins and minerals play a key role in muscle and bone health. Deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and potassium can lead to muscle cramps and discomfort. Magnesium, in particular, helps relax muscles and prevent spasms, while vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone development. Ensuring children have a well-balanced diet with these essential nutrients can help alleviate symptoms of growing pains. So giving your child a few extra supplements can be really helpful and even something as simple as adding epsom salts to their evening bath is great for magnesium uptake.
Our Chiropractic team are here to help your child
Growing pains may be a natural part of childhood, but they don’t have to be dismissed as “just something kids go through.” By addressing spinal alignment, muscle balance, and nutritional needs, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to manage and prevent discomfort. If your child experiences persistent growing pains, consulting a chiropractor may provide relief and support their overall health and development.
If you know someone who could benefit from this blog post, please share it with them. We offer a complimentary spine check to anyone who is interested in how chiropractic may be able to help them.