The journey of childhood is filled with daily challenges and adventures, and sometimes, there is a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed but causes considerable stress for kids and families alike – growing pains. Have you ever found yourself consoling your child through nights of throbbing discomfort in their little legs?

It’s a common experience for many parents, especially when their child hits a growth spurt. The impact goes beyond physical discomfort, affecting mood, energy, emotions, and behavior. You’re not alone – nearly half of all school-aged children face growing pains. While considered a “normal” part of childhood, these pains can significantly impact daily life. Pediatricians may dismiss them, attributing them to the natural course of growth. But what if there’s more to it? What if growing pains have neurological roots that Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can address without the use of drugs?

This blog is for you parents who are seeking to empower yourselves with safe, drug-free solutions to ease your children’s growing pains once and for all. Let’s uncover the science behind why some kids experience growing pains more than others and how stress and tension within the nervous system play a pivotal role. 

The Correlation Between Growing Pains and Other Neurological Challenges

One surprising trend that resonates with many parents is the connection between children facing sensory challenges, Autism, ADHD, and growing pains. It’s not just physical discomfort but a cascade of “sensory, emotional, and behavioral” struggles. This trend reveals a common root cause – excessive stress and tension stuck in a child’s sympathetic fight-or-flight nervous system.

The Science Behind Growing Pains

Growing pains typically begin between the ages of 3-12 years old, persisting for years with varying intensity during rapid growth spurts. Pediatricians attribute these aches to the belief that the pace of growth surpasses the development of muscles and ligaments.

As bones elongate during growth spurts, tension accumulates in surrounding muscles, ligaments, and, crucially, sensory nerves. This process leads to joint and neurospinal misalignments known as subluxations. These misalignments cause irritation to nerves, triggering pain and sensory problems.

Subluxations result in neuromuscular irritation and tension, sending signals to the brain known as “nociception.” This cascade of signals causes the sensation of pain, dysfunction, and irritation. Importantly, this irritation isn’t limited to the physical realm; it can manifest emotionally and behaviorally as well.

The constant nervous system noise and tension arising from subluxations during periods of growth lead to distressing flare-ups termed “growing pains.” Children stuck in a perpetual fight or flight overdrive experience these pains more frequently and with greater severity.

How to Manage Growing Pains with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

Having discussed the impact of stress and tension on growing pains, it’s time for the good news – these issues can be addressed naturally and safely WITHOUT drugs. At Freedom Chiropractic, we get right to the root cause using advanced neurological scans called INSiGHT Scans.  These scans can precisely identify areas of dysfunction within your child’s nervous system. This information guides gentle adjustments aimed at restoring balance and relieving tension.

The benefits extend beyond physical comfort for your child, including improved sleep. Chiropractic care can absolutely help your child sleep better, free from the discomfort of growing pains. Don’t wait for your child to outgrow them. Recognizing the importance of growing pains allows you to ensure your child can navigate this phase with resilience and optimal well-being!