The chiropractic care of children with “growing pains”: A case series and systematic review of the literature

ObjectiveTo describe the successful chiropractic care of two pediatric patients with complaints of “growing pain.”Clinical featuresA 2¾-yr-old female and 3½-yr-old male were presented by their mothers with complaints of “growing pains” that awakened both patients at night. The girl’s problem began 3 months prior to care with awakening due to leg pain at 1–2 nights weekly in the first month and progressed to 5–6 nights per week in the month prior to presentation. The boy’s growing pain was of “several months” duration that awakened the patient 2–3 nights per week. The parents of both children denied trauma or an “organic” cause to their children’s pain complaints. Spinal segmental dysfunctions were noted in both patients at the lumbosacral spine.Intervention and outcomeSpinal manipulative therapy (SMT) characterized as high velocity, low amplitude thrusts to sites of segmental dysfunction was rendered to both patients. Following a trial of care (i.e., 3 visits scheduled over a 3-week period and 4 visits over a period of 14 weeks), the patient’s symptoms resolved and were released from care.ConclusionThis case series provides support on the effectiveness of chiropractic SMT for children with complaints of “growing pain.” We support further research in the care of similar patients.