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Chiropractic Care for Growing Pains: Navigating Winter Challenges

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By Donna Stark

Winter Challenges

The holidays have come and gone, and now there is nothing to do but survive the long winter months ahead. While this may be an exciting time for kids (snow days, anyone?), this time of year can also be extremely challenging for parents. That’s because growing bodies combined with winter layers and cold-weather activities can lead to aches and pains in most children, particularly in pre-teens.

If your kids have been complaining about sore legs, don’t worry. It may just be a sign of growing pains. And if it is, you’ll be happy to hear that they’re temporary, just like the chilly temperatures you’ll find outside.

What Are Growing Pains?

Growing pains are self-resolving, non-inflammatory pain in the legs that is generally described as an uncomfortable soreness. Symptoms of growing pains may appear in the form of cramps, aches, or throbbing behind the knees or in the thighs, shins, and calves of a child. Although this discomfort generally occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, it may also appear at night and can be strong enough to wake a child from their sleep.

Growing pains typically don't last for long periods of time and may not even be an everyday occurrence, but when they do make an appearance, they can be bad enough to disrupt everyone’s plans. For active pre-teens, that could mean missed activities or impaired athletic performance, as well as lethargic days and academic struggles due to interrupted sleep.

Common Myths About Growing Pains

As common as growing pains are, one would think there would no longer be any misconceptions about them. But that isn’t the case. A lot of misinformation has been passed down from one generation of parents to the next, leading many to believe the wrong things about this condition. Here are a few examples.

Growth Is the Culprit

Although this type of leg pain is called growing pains, growth spurts are rarely the underlying cause. Instead, this discomfort is most likely due to overuse and the wear and tear of muscles in active children. In other words, your children’s muscles are tired and could definitely use a break from all the running, climbing, and jumping they do during the day.

Another reason why they may be experiencing pain is poor posture. If your child is not being mindful of their posture while standing, walking, and carrying a backpack, they may feel more discomfort at night than other children. This can be particularly problematic during the winter season as most children are layering up in heavier and bulkier outdoor gear. Help your child prepare for proper winter posture with the following tips.

  • Make sure winter clothing is the right size
  • Avoid clothing that restricts the way your child walks or moves
  • Encourage your child to wear layers that make sense (for example, have them wear a winter jacket instead of five sweatshirts)

In addition to cold weather apparel tips, help your child lighten their backpack load. An overstuffed backpack is not only horrible in regard to spinal health and posture, it can also increase your child’s risk of losing their balance and sustaining an injury during a fall.

Pain Is a Sign of a Serious Disorder

Pain is never a pleasant experience but that doesn’t mean it’s always a serious issue. Although it may be hard to watch your child suffer, there is some comfort in knowing that the pain associated with growing pains typically doesn’t last for more than 20 minutes at a time. Additionally, growing pains will not affect your child’s overall growth and development or how your child walks or runs.

However, it is important to note that if your child is noticeably limping or the pain occurs throughout the day or goes on for long periods of time, a visit to the doctor is in order.

There Is Nothing You Can Do

Even though growing pains are harmless and typically don’t require a doctor’s care, that doesn’t mean you can’t help your child feel better with some simple at-home remedies. Gently massaging the area, applying a heating pad, treating with a dose of children’s acetaminophen, and spending time by your child’s side may be all that is needed for relief and comfort. Of course, if the pain gets worse, if your child does not wake up pain-free, or if other symptoms, such as swelling or redness appear, seek immediate guidance from a healthcare professional.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Bring Relief From Growing Pains?

Pediatric chiropractic care is also something worth considering if your child is experiencing growing pains or has questionable posture. The gentle spinal adjustments a chiropractor provides could help improve the function of the nervous system and increase blood flow to the legs and muscles, which may help lessen the discomfort of growing pains. These adjustments will also correct any spinal fixation which may encourage better posture overall.

In particular, pediatric chiropractors are also able to determine whether something else in the musculoskeletal system is causing the pain. During the initial chiropractic visit, the chiropractor will perform a comprehensive examination of your child’s body. Not a single part will be overlooked as they work to understand and determine the root cause of your child’s discomfort.

Regardless of the underlying issue, you can rest assured knowing that your child’s chiropractor will design a treatment plan that is both safe and effective, and customized to your child’s specific needs and issues.

What Can Be Done for Healthy Growth and Development?

Along with the home remedies listed above and regular chiropractic adjustments, a nutritious and well-balanced diet is also recommended during the critical stages of your child’s growth and development. Make sure your child is receiving the recommended daily levels of vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Since it is difficult to get all the required nutrition a growing body needs from food, ask your child’s doctor about supplementation. Usually, a good multivitamin will do the trick.

Additionally, proper hydration is key for optimal health and well-being so make sure your child is drinking the recommended amount of water each day. A great way to get them into the habit is to start and end each day with a glass of water.

Manage Your Child’s Growing Pains Like a Pro

While growing pains and the winter season may add some extra challenges to your days as a parent, the good news is that both are temporary. With a little patience and extra care, you should be able to manage both of them like a seasoned pro.

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