Are Growing Pains Really Just Growing Pains?
Growing pains are something most parents have heard of — that aching, burning or cramping pain in the legs (often both) that tends to strike in the evening or at night and then disappears by morning. They’re common between the ages of 3–12 and can come and go over months or even years. The pain is usually mild, settles within a couple of hours, and often improves with gentle massage, stretching, or a warm heat pack. While the name suggests a link to growth spurts, research hasn’t found a strong connection between growth and these pains. Instead, they may be related to factors such as increased physical activity, muscle fatigue, dehydration, or even emotional stress or anxiety. Some children also experience headaches or tummy aches alongside these pains, which may hint at a broader systemic cause such as stress, inflammation, or nutritional imbalance.
When to Suspect It Might Be More Than Growing Pains
The most important thing for parents to know is that “growing pains” should always be a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning other possible causes should be ruled out first. In many cases, pain described as growing pains can actually be linked to subtle changes in movement, joint alignment, or muscle tension that place extra strain on certain areas of the body. As chiropractors, we often find that children with ongoing “growing pains” also have restricted movement through their hips, pelvis, or spine, or tightness in particular muscle groups. When the body isn’t moving as freely or symmetrically as it should, it can make those night-time aches worse. Chiropractic care can help restore normal movement patterns, reduce muscular tension, and support the body’s ability to recover — often providing noticeable relief for children who’ve been struggling with these recurring pains. A chiropractic adjustment may not completely “cure” growing pains, but it can make a big difference in how a child’s body functions and feels. And importantly, it ensures that we’re not overlooking a structural or movement-related cause.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
See your healthcare provider urgently if your child experiences:
Pain that causes them to wake up screaming regularly
Pain that leads to limping or obvious changes in movement
Tender, hot, or swollen areas
Any signs of illness (fever, night sweats, lethargy)
Sudden changes in weight or appetite
These symptoms are not typical of growing pains and should be checked immediately.
When to Book a Chiropractic Check-Up
Even if the signs aren’t severe, it’s worth getting your child assessed if you notice:
Mild but consistent changes in movement or posture (e.g. leaning to one
side or uneven leg movement)Pains that appear after certain activities or follow a pattern
Pains that stop your child from doing their usual play or sport
Discomfort that lasts more than a few weeks or occurs daily
In these cases, we’ll perform a thorough assessment to check joint movement, muscle balance, and posture, and help determine if there’s an underlying reason for their discomfort.
The Bottom Line
If your child is experiencing what you believe to be growing pains, it’s always worth investigating further. Pain is the body’s way of communicating that something isn’t quite right, whether that’s related to movement, hydration, nutrition, or emotional stress. Working through these possible causes with a qualified healthcare professional can not only ease your child’s pain now, but also support their long-term development and wellbeing.