06/03/2026
Your kid is waking up crying with leg pain. Pediatrician says “growing pains - they’ll grow out of it.” But growth doesn’t cause pain, imbalance of the nervous system does.
What causes “growing pains”?
During rapid growth spurts, the spine grows faster than surrounding muscles can adapt. Muscles get tight trying to keep up. This tightness pulls the spine (especially lower lumbar) and causes compensation patterns. When the body is under stress, nerves exiting between them get compressed.
Specifically: Nerves from L2, L3, and L4 vertebrae control sensation and function in the legs. When the body is imbalanced, these nerves get compressed - causing pain that radiates into thighs, calves, and behind knees. Exactly where “growing pains” show up.
What happens when spine is balanced:
-Nerves have space to exit without compression
-Leg length is even (pelvic balance)
-Muscle tension is symmetrical
-Pain stops (not because they “grew out of it” - because compression was released)
Your child doesn’t have to suffer through growth spurts. Growing can happen without pain when the spine stays balanced and nerves stay clear.
If your kid:
-Wakes up at night with leg pain
-Complains of aching thighs, calves, or behind knees
-Pain is worse at night or after activity
-Between ages 3-12 (common growth spurt ages)
Your kid deserves to be checked by a pediatric chiropractor who can help. Give us a call 417-683-6879
