Between a child's toddler and teenage years, a parent often hears complaints from the child about body pain. Pain in the legs is a common gripe that is regularly attributed to "growing pains." But, are growing pains just a myth covering up for a deeper issue? As the parent of a young child, you have concerns regarding the regularity with which these pain complaints occur. Once your doctor has cleared your child of any sinister medical conditions by doing x-rays and blood tests, then it is time to consider ways to lessen this pain. This is where an osteopath can help, and here are the reasons why.
What Is An Osteopath?
An osteopath is a practitioner who deals with the musculoskeletal system of the body. This means they treat the skeleton, muscles, circulation and nerves. Problems with spine and joints are the most common areas an osteopath deals with. An osteopath uses massage, manipulation of bones, therapy and exercise to treat problems within the body.
How Can An Osteopath Help Growing Pains?
Growing pains is a term that has been used for generations to explain short-term periods of pain as a child ages. But, for many osteopaths, the term "growing pains" is a myth. It is believed that this pain is a result of changes within the body at a cellular level. As your child grows, and the skeleton expands, then the muscles, nerves and circulatory system around the bone structure also change. During these changes, body parts are stretched and stressed, which creates a pain point. In some instances, this pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication to provide relief, but in some instances, the assistance of an osteopath is required.
When Should You Take Your Child To An Osteopath?
When a body pain first begins, give pain relief medication and monitor your child for 24 hours. However, in the following instances, you need professional assistance and should make an appointment with an osteopath:
- When the pain radiates 24 hours a day, even when your child is sleeping.
- When pain levels wake up a sleeping child.
- When a dull level pain lasts longer than one week.
- When the pain area looks swollen or feels hot and this is unchanged after pain medication.
An osteopath helps these symptoms by determining the cause of the pain. They then offer a treatment solution to make the pain go away, and this makes your child more comfortable without a daily reliance on pain medication. So, the next time your child complains about growing pains, make an appointment with your local osteopath to see what they can do for you.
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