Growing Pains & Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
Growing Pains & Gentle Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
If your child complains of aching legs at night, wakes up crying from discomfort, or says their legs hurt after a busy day, you may have heard the term “growing pains.” At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care to help support your child’s comfort, movement, and overall well-being.
What Are Growing Pains?
Growing pains are a common cause of leg pain in children, typically occurring between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. Despite the name, growing pains are not directly caused by growth spurts, and researchers still do not fully understand why they occur.
Children with growing pains often experience aching or throbbing pain in both legs, especially in the calves, thighs, or behind the knees. The pain most commonly occurs in the late afternoon, evening, or at night and is usually gone by morning.
Growing pains do not cause joint swelling, limping, fever, or permanent damage to the bones or muscles.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Aching or throbbing pain in both legs
- Pain in the calves
- Pain in the thighs
- Pain behind the knees
- Discomfort in the evening or at night
- Pain after an active day
- Episodes that come and go
- Waking at night due to leg pain
- Symptoms that improve with massage or cuddling
- No pain in the morning
- No limping between episodes
Possible Causes
The exact cause of growing pains is unknown, but researchers believe several factors may contribute, including:
- Increased physical activity
- Muscle fatigue
- Joint hypermobility
- Nervous system sensitivity
- Lower pain thresholds
- Flat feet or biomechanical differences
- Rapid developmental changes
- Family history of growing pains
Growing pains are not believed to be caused by bones growing too quickly.
Red Flags
Growing pains should not cause persistent or severe symptoms.
Parents should seek medical evaluation if their child has:
- Pain in only one leg
- Joint swelling
- Persistent limping
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Pain that continues into the morning
- Redness or warmth around a joint
- Weakness
- Night sweats
- Refusal to walk
- Persistent back pain
- Recent illness or injury
These symptoms may indicate a different condition that requires medical evaluation.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we understand how concerning it can be when your child is hurting—even if they have been told it’s “just growing pains.“
Our neurologically-focused approach looks at the whole child. We evaluate how the nervous system is functioning and assess posture, movement patterns, muscle balance, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to discomfort.
Your child’s evaluation may include:
- Detailed health history
- Growth and developmental milestones
- Neurological assessment
- Postural evaluation
- Spinal and pelvic alignment
- Joint mobility
- Muscle tension assessment
- Foot and gait evaluation
- CLA INSiGHT® Neurological Scans
These scans help us assess:
- Nervous system balance
- Muscle activity and tension
- Stress adaptation
- Areas of neurological imbalance
Care is always gentle, age-appropriate, and tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Our goal is to support nervous system function, improve movement patterns, and help your child feel and function at their best.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
We believe children benefit most when healthcare providers work together.
Depending on your child’s needs, Dr. Jayme may collaborate with:
- Pediatricians
- Pediatric orthopedic specialists
- Pediatric rheumatologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Podiatrists
If laboratory testing, imaging, or specialty care is needed, we will help guide your family to the appropriate provider.
Are growing pains actually caused by growth?
Not necessarily. Despite the name, growing pains are not directly linked to growth spurts. Researchers believe they may be related to muscle fatigue, activity levels, biomechanics, or nervous system sensitivity.
At what age do growing pains occur?
Growing pains most commonly occur between ages 3 and 12 years old, although some children experience symptoms outside of this range.
Are growing pains dangerous?
Growing pains are generally considered harmless and do not cause permanent damage. However, symptoms such as swelling, limping, fever, or pain in only one leg should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can chiropractic care help growing pains?
Many families choose chiropractic care as part of a holistic approach to supporting their child’s health and comfort. Chiropractic care may help support nervous system function and address musculoskeletal factors that contribute to discomfort. Individual results vary.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques that are specifically adapted to a child’s size, age, and developmental stage.
If your child is experiencing leg pain, nighttime aches, or discomfort that keeps them from enjoying everyday activities, you do not have to navigate it alone.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your child’s health, comfort, and development.
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Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Pediatrics.
Her backgrounds in nursing and chiropractic allow her to take a thoughtful, family-centered approach to children’s healthcare. She understands that even common childhood complaints can create significant stress for families.
Dr. Jayme is passionate about helping children move comfortably, develop confidently, and thrive through every stage of growth.