Blog Post
July 12, 2026, 12:00 AM
Is There Such a Thing as Growing Pains?
Understanding Why Your Child's Legs Hurt, and When You Should Pay Attention
As a parent, few things are more concerning than hearing your child say their legs hurt. Often, these aches happen at night, seem to disappear by morning, and are commonly dismissed as "growing pains."
But are growing pains actually caused by growth?
The answer may surprise you.
At Sheppard Chiropractic, one of the most common questions we hear from parents is whether growing pains are real. While the discomfort children experience is certainly real, modern research suggests that these aches are not actually caused by bones growing.
Let's take a closer look.
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains are a common term used to describe recurring muscle aches or discomfort in children, typically between the ages of 3 and 12 years old.
The pain most often occurs:
- In both legs rather than just one
- In the calves, thighs, or behind the knees
- During the evening or at night
- After an active day
- Without any swelling, redness, or limping
Children usually wake up feeling perfectly normal the next morning.
Do Bones Hurt While They Grow?
Interestingly, there is no scientific evidence that normal bone growth causes pain.
Children's bones grow gradually through specialized areas called growth plates, and this process is typically painless.
If growth itself caused pain, children would likely hurt throughout the day and during every period of rapid growth—which simply isn't what we see.
Instead, researchers believe growing pains are likely related to factors such as:
- Muscle fatigue after activity
- Increased physical activity
- Flexible joints
- Minor overuse of muscles
- Differences in posture or biomechanics
- Developing coordination
In other words, many experts believe "growing pains" may be more accurately described as activity-related muscle aches.
Could the Spine Play a Role?
Every muscle, joint, and tissue in the body is controlled by the nervous system.
When the spine is moving properly, healthy nerve communication helps muscles coordinate movement efficiently. While chiropractic care is not a treatment for growing pains, evaluating spinal motion and overall biomechanics may be appropriate for some children, especially if they have:
- Poor posture
- Frequent falls
- Sports-related strain
- Complaints of back or neck discomfort
- Uneven movement patterns
At Sheppard Chiropractic, we assess each child individually to determine whether restricted joint motion or other mechanical issues could be contributing to overall musculoskeletal stress.
When Should Parents Be Concerned?
Although typical growing pains are generally harmless, certain symptoms should never be ignored.
Contact your child's pediatrician promptly if your child has:
- Pain in only one leg
- Persistent pain during the day
- Swelling or redness
- Fever
- Limping
- Joint stiffness
- Pain after a significant injury
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain that continues to worsen
These symptoms could indicate another condition requiring medical evaluation.
What Can Help?
If your child's discomfort appears consistent with typical growing pains, several simple measures may provide relief:
- Gentle stretching before bed
- Light massage of sore muscles
- A warm bath
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing supportive footwear during active play
- Encouraging regular physical activity without overdoing it
If symptoms become frequent or severe, it's always worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.
Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Children's bodies experience tremendous physical demands as they grow. From learning to walk to playground adventures, sports, backpacks, and hours spent sitting at school, their musculoskeletal system is constantly adapting.
At Sheppard Chiropractic, we focus on helping children maintain healthy spinal motion and overall movement quality. While chiropractic care should not be viewed as a cure for growing pains, many parents appreciate having their child's posture, spinal mobility, and movement patterns evaluated as part of a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal health.
Every child is unique, and our recommendations are based on a thorough examination and the individual needs of each patient.
The Bottom Line
Despite the name, growing pains are probably not caused by growth itself.
Most experts believe these common childhood aches are more likely related to muscle fatigue, activity levels, and the normal demands placed on a growing body.
The good news is that most children outgrow these episodes without any long-term problems.
If your child is experiencing recurring aches or you're unsure whether their symptoms are simply growing pains or something more, we're happy to help evaluate their musculoskeletal health and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Sheppard Chiropractic
At Sheppard Chiropractic, we believe healthy movement starts early. Our goal is to help children and families move better, feel better, and live healthier lives through safe, individualized chiropractic care.
If you have questions about your child's aches and pains, contact our office today. We'd be happy to discuss your concerns and determine whether an evaluation is appropriate.
Walk-ins are always welcome.