A to Z of Chiropractic: G is for Growing Pains

G is for Growing Pains:

At birth our skeleton is made up of a mixture of bone and cartilage. During childhood the cartilage is slowly replaced with bone. In most children this process is competed between the ages of 18-21.

Bone growth is regulated by a special hormone which is nicely named ‘Growth Hormone’! This hormone is released at night time and instructs our bone and muscle to grow - so we basically do all our growing at night time.

25% to 40% of children go through episodes of growing pains. They generally strike during two periods: in early childhood among 3- to 5-year-olds and, later, in 8- to 12-year-olds.

(http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/growing_pains.html)

The main symptom is muscle pain that occurs in the early evening or at night time. In many patients who suffer growing pains it can be so severe it often wakes them from their sleep.

As chiropractors we can help by treating the soft tissue with special massage techniques and advising on heat therapy and stretching exercises. In more severe cases referral to a GP may be required for suitable pain relief. 

Dr Gemma Bailey

BSc (Hons) Chiro

Doctor of Chiropractic