Does your child experience “Growing Pains”?

Growing pains. Night pains. Shin splints.

Is growing a painful process? For some kids - yes! But is it what we think it is that is causing their pain?

These are all types of leg pains that children can experience in their lifetimes (Evans, 2006).

But what are growing pains? Surely growing shouldn’t be painful?

In this video, Dr Christian discusses growing pains and one potential mechanism for its development - problems in the lower back. A recent study showed in 9-15 year olds who experience leg pain, it often preceded lower back discomfort (Fuglkjaer, 2018). This follows on from a study done in 2015, where researchers found that spinal manipulative therapy helped to reduce the pain experienced in the leg (de Beer, 2015).

A thorough examination by a health professional (chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, General Practitioner) may be of benefit.