Growing Pains

Your five-year old complains that her legs hurt and the pain sometimes disturbs her sleep at night. Your mother laughs it off as "growing pains" and tells you to relax, she'll grow out of it. But are there really such a things as "growing pains"?

Children playing soccer.

Up to 40% of children in early childhood (3-5 years of age) and adolescence (8-12 years of age) experience growing pains. They mostly occur in the late afternoon or early evening, although they have been known to wake a sleeping child.

Generally, the pain is located in muscles in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees. The pain occurs in both legs and there is no swelling or redness present.


Of course, if your child is experiencing pain, it is wise to rule out other causes, especially if any of the following symptoms are also present:

  • Limping
  • Fever
  • Redness or swelling of the joints (knees or ankles)
  • Pain that won't go away
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

Often times, a visit to our office will uncover a spinal problem that may be contributing to your child's pain. Chiropractic adjustments are modified to take the size of the child into consideration. Many children seem to enjoy better health and a decrease in pain after beginning chiropractic care in our office.

Please let us know if your child is experiencing any type of pain for which a cause cannot be found. We will be happy to examine your child to determine whether there is any type of spinal nerve interference that could be a contributing factor. We do not believe that any child should have to live with "growing pains."

Dr. Priestley Asks some important questions of interest to Corona del Mar residents - Chiropractor Corona del Mar Dr. Priestley Asks...

Can those with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, we consider the unique circumstances of each practice member. There are many ways we can adjust the spine. The chiropractic method we select will be best suited to your age, size and unique situation.
What is the purpose of pain?
Pain prompts many Corona del Mar folks to begin chiropractic care. But pain isn't the problem! Pain is just how your body alerts you that a limit has been reached (or exceeded), that something isn't working right and that some type of change is needed. As a chiropractor, my job is finding the underlying cause and recommending the changes needed to bring your body back into balance.