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CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN CHILDREN WITH GROWING PAINS

By: Dr. Donna A. Pontoriero, Chiropractor


The term growing pain has been used for approximately 150 years. The term was first coined by Duchamp in 1832 in his treatise, "Maladies de la Croissance." Prevalence studies indicate that growing pains occur in approximately 20% of children and may be as high as 37% with a slight preference in females compared to males. Growing pains may begin in infancy with the greatest discomfort between the ages of 3-5 years and generally thought of as abating as the individual matures. A number of conditions have been implicated (though not fully substantiated) in the pathogenesis of growing pains. The list includes rapid growth, overexertion, rheumatic conditions, infection, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, orthopedic defects, vague ill health and psychological factors, among others.

So what are growing pains? The diagnosis is generally one of exclusion, and we know more about what it is not rather than what it is. Growing pains is described as an intermittent and annoying pain or ache that is ofter localized in the muscles of the legs and thighs. Medical care recommends supportive treatment in the form of heat, massage and Vitamin C, despite the acknowledgement that Vitamin C deficiency is not involved in the etiology of growing pains.

Chiropractors often care for pediatric patients with growing pains.


Please contact our office if you would like further evaluation on your condition.

Dr. Donna Pontoriero can be reached at 299 Franklin Ave, Nutley NJ 07110, 973-235-9393.