Laurel, Montana — So here you are. Your child is crying his eyes out, usually at bedtime, with what seems to be to indescribable pains in his/her legs. Your heartstrings have had it and you have most likely tried all the standard parent remedies such as walking, reading, hot towels, cuddling, massaging the legs, all to no avail. The pains still persist. Eventually your child finally falls asleep from shear exhaustion and you simply dread a repeat performance the next day. Finally, out of pure frustration, you seek professional help only to be told that it is simply “growing pains”, and that “your child will eventually grow out of it.” Concerned and worried parents often hear such bizarre comments. The sad truth is that many parents actually believe that to be the case.
You were probably told that your child’s legs hurt because the bones, ligaments and muscles are developing and a little pain is a normal part of the process. Apparently all these tissues and bones all grow differently and should cause pain. This has always been traditionally explained as a normal part of childhood. Many concerned parents have believed this theory for years because at first glance, it seems fairly sound. It appears to be plausible and after all, parents are not trained as doctors and so we are literally sold on the idea that it should hurt to grow. This becomes an accepted part of childhood – a rite of passage. Nonsense!
Think about this for a moment though……
When did it ever hurt to grow? Is this really a “normal” part of childhood as we have been taught to believe? And why only the legs? Don’t the arms, the nose, the fingers and all the other parts of body also grow? Why don’t they hurt?
You are now beginning to see that the explanations most parents are given are not only untrue but also illogical. If that is the case then, what is the real reason of these pains?
The vast majority of children I see complaining of growing pains are in their very active formative years, most being between six and fifteen years old. The sudden jars, bumps and lumps of vigorous play often produce stress on the spine and cause the vertebrae to become subluxated. These subluxations affect the way certain nerves control the function of your child’s legs, knees, feet, etc. In adults this is called sciatica – pain in the legs. Even the internal organs can be affected, creating a plethora of difficulties ranging from abdominal cramps, diarrhea and /or constipation, to Colitis, Crohn’s disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, etc.
Consider this, those of you who are bothered by low back pain and leg pain as adults most likely also experienced “growing pains” when you were little. You may not have realized that by having your subluxation corrected as a child, may very well have eliminated what you are experiencing today.
If your child is experiencing pains in the legs, or “restless legs,” or any of the problems I have mentioned above, a visit to your family chiropractor should be a top priority.
As well as seeing a chiropractor, which I consider to be most important, the following will also offer temporary relief in the meantime.
1. Hot damp compresses on the outer part of the thighs
2. Gentle leg stretches (your chiropractor will advise you on this)
3. Vitamin D complex
4. Calcium supplementation
One thing you should keep in mind is that pain is a warning. It is the body’s way of letting us know that something is not right. If your child is complaining, please remember that there is a reason for it.
For More Information
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about this article, general spinal health or your specific situation. To discuss your symptoms and concerns call (406) 628-9322.
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Maurer Chiropractic
113 East Main Street
Laurel, MT 59044
How We Are Different
Dr. Maurer is a unique Laurel chiropractor who specializes in difficult cases that have not responded to other care. All treatment plans are highly individualized based on your specific history, needs and goals.
Areas We Serve
We are located in Laurel and serve the communities that reside in zip codes 59044, 59101, 59102, 59108, 59041, and 59014. However, we see patients from a large radius around Billings, Yellowstone, and Clarks Fork Valley because of the unique, customized treatment options we offer.