Growing Pains

Your five-year old complains that her legs hurt and the pain sometimes disturbs her sleep at night. Your mother laughs it off as "growing pains" and tells you to relax, she'll grow out of it. But are there really such a things as "growing pains"?

Children playing soccer.

Up to 40% of children in early childhood (3-5 years of age) and adolescence (8-12 years of age) experience growing pains. They mostly occur in the late afternoon or early evening, although they have been known to wake a sleeping child.

Generally, the pain is located in muscles in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees. The pain occurs in both legs and there is no swelling or redness present.


Of course, if your child is experiencing pain, it is wise to rule out other causes, especially if any of the following symptoms are also present:

  • Limping
  • Fever
  • Redness or swelling of the joints (knees or ankles)
  • Pain that won't go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

Often times, a visit to our office will uncover a spinal problem that may be contributing to your child's pain. Chiropractic adjustments are modified to take the size of the child into consideration. Many children seem to enjoy better health and a decrease in pain after beginning chiropractic care in our office.

Please let us know if your child is experiencing any type of pain for which a cause cannot be found. We will be happy to examine your child to determine whether there is any type of spinal nerve interference that could be a contributing factor. We do not believe that any child should have to live with "growing pains."

Dr. Steve Asks some important questions of interest to Buffalo residents - Chiropractor Buffalo Dr. Steve Asks...

Can vertebral subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles can be a constant source of vertebral subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these minor problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When vertebral subluxations don't resolve, you need to see our Buffalo office for chiropractic care!
How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.