Growing Pains in kids?
Do adults get growing pains?
Restless leg syndrome in adults?
The term most doctors use for achy legs that keep your child awake at night is growing pains. These pains are cramping, achy muscle pains that some preschoolers and preteens feel in both legs. The pain usually occurs in the late afternoon or evenings. But it may cause your child to wake up in the middle of the night. The pain often occurs in bouts. In an adult these similar signs are called ‘restless leg syndrome’.
Well, what causes these Pains?
Despite the name there is no evidence that growing pains are linked to growth spurts. It appears that these pains more likely are muscle aches due to intense childhood activities during that day. These activities include running, jumping, and climbing. These pains seem to be more common after a child has a particularly full day of sports. As a chiropractor I see that not all kids get growing pains so it probably isn’t due to growing.
Almost all of the children I see with growing pains have associated pelvic dysfunctions more likely due to their heavy activity levels and the expected knocks and falls. This is also much the same for adults. It is fairly easy to assess clinically and after treatment it resolves without much fuss.
What can be done?
So if you or someone you know has been suffering growing pains or restless leg syndrome understand that it’s not normal and you don’t have to just put up with it and NO, not everyone gets growing pains! ‘Growing pains’ are a sign that somethings not right and Chiropractors are well placed to help with this condition. Why not have your spine and pelvic assessed by a professional and get any treatment you may required to help you be your best. So if you want to use an approach that gets to the underlying cause and is less dangerous than drugs why not give us a call.
