How Pediatric Chiropractic Care May Help Children With Growing Pains

Does your child wake up at night complaining about achy legs, only to feel fine again by morning? Many parents notice this pattern and want to know how to help. Since research has not established rapid growth as the cause, parents considering a chiropractor for child growth pains should first note when and where the discomfort appears. They should also consider whether it follows a recurring pattern.

A pediatric chiropractor may ask about the pain and assess posture and movement to determine whether symptoms warrant referral to another health care provider. In this guide, CornerStone Chiropractic will explain how pediatric chiropractic care may support kids with growing pains.

What Are Growing Pains in Children?

Growing pains are a common complaint among kids ages 3 to 12. The ache usually shows up in both legs, often behind the knees or in the calves, and tends to strike in the evening or at night. The discomfort typically fades by morning, and there is usually no swelling or injury.

What Causes Growing Pains?

Doctors are still not entirely sure what causes growing pains. A growth spurt is often blamed, but research has not shown a direct link between rapid growth and these nighttime aches.

Some children have more discomfort after active days, so muscle fatigue or overuse may contribute. However, the cause remains unclear, and posture has not been shown to cause growing pains.

How Pediatric Chiropractic Care May Support Comfort

A chiropractor for child growth pains may assess spinal alignment and muscle or joint discomfort while identifying symptoms that need evaluation by another health care provider. Spinal manipulation has not been shown to treat growing pains, although massage, stretching guidance, and activity advice may temporarily ease discomfort. These supportive measures do not correct a child's growth.

When Your Child Needs Medical Evaluation

Consider growing pains only after ruling out other causes of leg pain. Contact your child's health care provider if the pain:

• Affects one leg or one specific spot
• Persists, worsens, or occurs in the morning or during activity
• Leads to limping or refusal to bear weight
• Occurs with swelling, redness, fever, fatigue, or weight loss

A clinician should evaluate these signs before considering chiropractic care.

What To Expect During a Pediatric Chiropractic Visit

A first visit may cover symptoms and medical history. Questions about activity and sleep may precede an age-appropriate musculoskeletal examination. Ask the chiropractor about the proposed technique and expected benefit. Discuss alternatives and risks. Ask when a medical referral is needed. Don't assume a specific number of visits in advance.

Explore the Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care at CornerStone Chiropractic

Growing pains are common and usually resolve without lasting problems, but proper evaluation supports child health and development by distinguishing the usual pattern from other causes of pain. Read our overview of the benefits of pediatric chiropractic care to learn more.

If your family lives in or near Minot, ND, and you are looking for a chiropractor to help with growth pains, call CornerStone Chiropractic at (701) 852-2800 to discuss appropriate supportive care options.