Growing Pains

Understanding Growing Pains and How Routine Chiropractic and Acupuncture Care Can Help Your Child Manage Them

What are Growing Pains?

Is your child kept awake at night by achy legs? They might be experiencing growing pains. These pains often manifest as aching and throbbing in the calves, shins, and thighs of school-age children, particularly at night.

Despite the name, growing pains don’t necessarily occur where growth is happening or during rapid growth phases. Some studies suggest that what we call growing pains may actually be related to restless leg syndrome, which can result from overactivity during the day.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Children with Growing Pains?

Chiropractic care is an effective way to manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with growing pains. Regular chiropractic visits offer a safe, non-invasive, and non-addictive alternative to prescription or over-the-counter pain medications commonly used to manage these symptoms.

At Auckland Wellness Centre, our chiropractors provide gentle, non-invasive treatments known as chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments help reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints, aiming to decrease inflammation and improve the function of both the affected joints and the nervous system. By enhancing joint mobility and improving nervous system function and spinal health, chiropractic care can help the body better manage the symptoms of growing pains.

Some of the benefits of chiropractic care and adjustments for children experiencing growing pains include:

  • Enhanced joint motion and coordination
  • Relief from joint pain and discomfort
  • Improved flexibility
  • Reduced inflammation

How Can Acupuncture Help with Growing Pains?

Acupuncture is another beneficial treatment for managing growing pains in children. This ancient practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and provide relief from discomfort.

At Auckland Wellness Centre, our skilled acupuncturists offer treatments that can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with growing pains. Acupuncture works by promoting better blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and triggering the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Growing Pains:

  • Pain relief and reduced discomfort
  • Improved circulation
  • Enhanced relaxation and reduced muscle tension
  • Better overall well-being and comfort

Comprehensive Care at Auckland Wellness Centre

To determine if chiropractic or acupuncture care is appropriate for your child's condition, the healthcare professionals at Auckland Wellness Centre will conduct a thorough consultation and examination. If necessary, they may refer your child for diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound. Based on their findings, your chiropractor and acupuncturist might recommend a collaborative treatment approach, involving other healthcare professionals like physiotherapists or primary care doctors.

Contact Auckland Wellness Centre to learn how chiropractic and acupuncture care can help manage your child's growing pains and improve their overall well-being.